Today is a very special day, because I was born 26 years ago. Additionally, Chris asked me to be his girlfriend five years ago (as a friend once pointed out, this combination makes remembering dates and giving gifts much easier for Chris). Accordingly, we woke up late, and I pulled out the leftover desserts to eat for breakfast.

Izzy and his Rachel then made us a more traditional breakfast of sweet potato home fries, eggs, ground turkey, and fresh guacamole.

Chris finally cut his hair and trimmed his neck; even with his beard still in tact, the transformation is very apparent, to say the least.

We were excited to find that a birthday card from my granny, a piece for the GoPro helmet mount from Chris’ mom, Linda, and some awesome new Clean Bottles had all arrived in Izzy’s mail for us.

Later we ventured into the mountains, hoping to  drive to the top of Mount Evans.  Unfortunately the road was closed, so we checked out Red Rocks Amphitheater instead.

For lunch we stopped at Old Capitol Grille in Golden, followed by drinks at Mountain Toad Brewery.

 Izzy dropped Chris and I off at my family’s house, where Schevaun served a delectable dinner followed by oatmeal chocolate chip birthday cake, complete with candles for me to blow out! They even gave me a nice card and a gift. Chris pointed out that now that I was 26, I was on the last letter of the alphabet.

Rocky and Chris then had a fun few rounds of badminton before we called it a night.

Before I climbed in bed, though, I opened up a birthday card from Robin, that I have carried from Maine. I was so honored that she remembered and planned for my birthday so far ahead of time!

Thanks to everyone for the birthday well wishes and for making it a special day!