Guys, it had been too long.
10 years ago, Kyle and I lived in a mildly scary apartment in Colorado. We were there with two of our other friends, all working at different non-paid internships.
I had a sports gig at the local fox affiliate and was likely the worst intern…ever. Why? Because I would rather spend my days lounging at the pool, nights out on the town and every moment in between with this guy.
(Young Leslie and Kyle – circa 2003, Denver)
We started officially dating that summer and the rest – well, you know, is history. We were engaged less than a year later.
It was hands down the best summer of our lives.
A few weeks ago Kyle surprised me with a quick weekend getaway trip back to the mountains. I had no idea 10 years had flown by so quickly. With work and two baby girls under the age of 4 – life was speeding by. So last weekend we took a moment to take it all in.
It was glorious.
Here’s a peek at our weekend itinerary – which might come in handy if you plan a quick trip to Denver. We came back refreshed, recharged and ready to take on our little part of the world.
Friday
1:00 – Flight leaves Kearney airport on Great Lakes Airlines (Our flights were on time and really quite smooth.)
1:30 (mountain time) Flight lands!
1:30-3:00: Pick up rental car.
3:00-3:30 – Check in to Embassy Suites, Downtown Denver.
3:30-5:30 – Appetizers and Drinks at Bubba Gump. Leisurely stroll at 16th Street Mall.
6:00ish-8:30ish – Free drinks at Embassy. Dress up (dress from here) – get ready to hit the town!
8:30ish-11ish – Lovely dinner at earls. We sat upstairs on the balcony overlooking the city.
Midnight – Bed!
Saturday
8:00am – Up and at em!
8:30ish – Continental breakfast in the hotel. (Embassy has always been known for big breakfast buffets.)
9:00-10ish – Drive out to the mountains. Destination – Central City/Black Hawk
10ish-noon – Gambling at Ameristar. Lose 40 bucks.
Noon – Lunch at Millie’s. The atmosphere was entertaining to say the least – food not so bad.
After Lunch – Back to a different casino. Kyle wins our money back playing Black Jack. Walk away only losing 20 bucks. Makes wife happy.
3ish – Quick stop at Lookout Mountain. Kyle and I spent every Tuesday at this place – 10 years ago.
5:30 – Meet old friends at Hacienda in Westminster, CO. (Fantastic margaritas!)
Rest of the evening – hang out in the culdesac of our friends’ neighborhood. (They roasted a pig!) Interesting to have mountains as your backdrop. Wonderful weather – atmosphere.
11pm – Bed
Sunday
One more quick breakfast at the hotel. Easy check out, quick flight back to good old Nebraska. Home by early afternoon! Already dreaming of our next weekend getaway!