the mile high city

(forgive the amount of pictures in this post. I am on a "document every second on my life" kick.)

Oh, Denver. How I love thee. 

With your gorgeous views, NO humidity in August (my hair thanks you), and your expansive coffee and food selection

-- how could I not love you?

Months ago when we found out Brian's cousin would be getting married in Boulder in August, I decided that I would head out to CO early and spend some time with awesome friends that live in Denver. I have a whole group of college friends that moved out to Denver to plant a church in the heart of the city. It was so awesome to get to see their every day life, watch them live intentionally, and hear about how God is moving through their new city 

that they now call home. 

These friends are the real deal. Doing ministry in their every day lives, living out the life that God has called them to. None of them are on staff with the church-- just moved out here to work real world jobs. To meet people and bring them around the body of Christ and advance the kingdom of God. Nothing fancy or flashy, just working hard to make their life rhythm one of intentionality and influence. It's an honor to know people like them. During my time in Denver, I felt challenged and inspired and spurred on to live out what I feel like

 God is calling me to in my every day life. 

I love Starbees as much as the next person, but it was so fun to visit any and every local and unique 

coffee shop I found in Denver. Each one with different character and a totally different vibe. 

Oh, the food. I. Ate. So. Much. Honestly, I think I ate every meal and drank every cup of coffee with a different friend. It was so fun, and delicious. I didn't have a single bite of bad food. 

This would be the day that my sweet friend, Teresa, and I set out to hike for a little bit. However, the sky looked pretty threatening and dark-- so we settled for margarita's instead. 

Coffee date with my newly married friend Natalie. So fun to talk about and encourage each other in our marriages. I felt challenged to love Brian better through our time together, Nat. I love you!

 I got to have lunch with my LONG time childhood friend, Kristen! It was a spur of the moment decision to meet up and I'm so glad we did. Always fun to reminisce with friends that knew me before I was mature.. wait, I'm still not that mature. // Found my fave restaurant in Denver, for obvious reasons. Okinawa!

Teresa and our UNC friend, Lyndsey, took me to my first Colorado Rockies game. Honestly, the game was pretty boring, but I got a hot dog,  awesome sunset, and lots of good laughs with these girls out of it, so it was worth it! 

Took a good, long walk around Sloan's Lake with Stephanie on my last day in Denver. It was a perfect day, with an awesome view of the Rockies, and even better conversation with this gorgeous girl. 

Lunch date with Stew-- always a good time with this girl. Obviously, we love each other. More now than we did that summer that we lived together and fought a lot. But look at us now! Stew, you are a treasure. One of the most generous and loving people I know. I'm so thankful to know you!

And laaaaastly, Sydney. Sydney actually lives in NC, but in true Syd fashion called us all and was like, "hey, i'm in Denver, wanna get lunch?" Love you Syd, so glad you were randomly driving through CO.

//

Well, congrats on making it to the end of this epically long post. Long story short-- I am now begging my husband to move to Colorado when we get back from Japan. It's such a great place, with even better people. 

Denver friends-- thank you for making time for me, taking me to lunch, taking me to dinner, taking me to coffee, showing me your favorite places, letting me sleep in your bed and on your couches, driving me all around your great state, etc. etc. I love you all!