Aspen...Beautiful

2 years ago I had a first date with my amazing boyfriend, Tim.  We went to an Avalanche hockey game and he used his hook-ups to get us on the ice after the game.  Talk about a great first date experience!  Needless to say, he had me at hello (cheesy, I know!)

On the ice after the game

In the penalty box (so many famous booties have sat on that same bench!!!)

Flash forward 2 years later and we decided to take a weekend trip to Aspen to celebrate the last two incredible years together.  I had never been to Aspen so I was thrilled to be able to go and since it was my year to plan the adventure (yes, we take turns planning anniversaries and special events), I took the liberty of packing everything possible into the two days we had there!

We started Saturday morning waking up to a gorgeous view from our hotel room (Aspen Meadows- HIGHLY recommended):

 

Then we took a bike ride (12 miles, thank you very much!) from Aspen to Woody Creek where we stopped for a snack and a margarita before heading back to town.  Since I hadn't been on a bike since I was in middle school, I was really nervous but the old saying really is true and after a few wobbles and causing another random biker to wipe out on the sidewalk when we cut him off (oops!), we got the hang of things and had a smooth ride.  However, next time I will need to ask for a larger, more cushy seat because my rear is still feeling the pain!  

Aren't the helmets hot looking?!?

We then took some time walking around downtown Aspen and looking at all of their cute (and EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE) shops.  My one luxury that I wanted to indulge in was a couple's massage at the nicest hotel in town- the St. Regis.  We had a couple's massage complete with a visit to the oxygen room (very weird), the steam room, and the amazing pool with waterfalls.  It was so relaxing and just what the Dr. ordered after long work weeks and stress of life.

After the massage we got cleaned up and had our anniversary dinner at Elevation (also HIGHLY recommended).  The staff at the restaurant was so nice to us and gave us free champagne and dessert to celebrate!  Overall, an amazing first day!  

On Sunday we woke up early and went hiking to the Maroon Bells.  These mountains are pasted all across our King Soopers cards so I see them all the time but the picture on the card doesn't even come close to what they look like in person!  Awe inspiring to say the least!  We spent all day hiking (about 6 miles) and enjoying the changing trees and the peacefulness of the outdoors. 

Starting our hike

Love how it reflects in the water!

My favorite picture of the trip!

Half way up the hike

Such amazing colors!

So, after our hike we went back into town and ate at a great outdoor restaurant called JUNK.  Yes, that's the name.  They had such a fun menu complete with a drink menu consisting of: sno cones made with vodka, table-side keg service, beer pong to-order, and beer cans served in brown bags.  Classy, I know :-)  No, we didn't order all of those items, in fact we didn't drink at all but instead shared some fabulous mac-n-cheese and burgers while we enjoyed the beautiful weather (70s all weekend!) and watched the kids and dogs play in the fountains.  

Unfortunately we had to leave Aspen on Sunday afternoon (I volunteered to sleep in the car in order to live there forever but Tim said no) and we decided to take Independence pass instead of the regular highway.  This pass is the 2nd highest highway in Colorado with an elevation of over 12,000 feet (which is actually above tree line at some points!)  It was a scary drive at times but the tree colors, amazing valleys, and the deer we saw made up for me feeling like we were going to slide right off the mountain!  

We made it home in one piece, more relaxed than when we came, and reluctant to get back to "real life".  It was the perfect way to celebrate together- here's to many more trips and anniversary celebrations!