My boyfriend and I decided to go to Denver, CO. My best friend and her husband live there. They just had their first child, so I really wanted to meet her. This was to be the first big trip that Paul and I were going to go on together. Kinda a big step for our relationship. The plan was to drive to his parents' house in MN, then drive to CO, after spending a few days there we would visit his grandma in SD, then drive back to MN. So here are a few of the highlights from a great trip!

Red Rocks Amphitheater - We went here on a very hot day. While here we wandered around the theater and a bit of the trails. I have been here before, but I still love it. I always love to see how natural they made this great structure. I also love to see the view of Denver in the background!
Downtown Denver - For lunch we decided to wander around the downtown Denver. We definitely had to stop at the capitol for a picture at the mile high step. We had time for a capitol tour, which was very interesting. Paul and I are both interested in history, so this was right up our alley. We then walked to the Mint to see if there were any openings of tours there. But the Mint was being remodeled, so there were no tours. Sad. Then we went to the 16th Street Mall and walked around there for a bit. Very relaxing, but very fun.
Denver Rockies game - Paul and I love to go to baseball games. When we were planning this trip, we were very happy to see that the Rockies were in town. So of course we got tickets. The view is absolutely gorgeous there. Watching baseball with a view of the mountains. But there was a huge storm coming over the mountains right before the game. It was pretty amazing to see this storm coming, what seemed like, right at us. It only rained a bit though. It didn't even hold up the game at all.
Rocky Mountain National Park - I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS! I can't say that enough. Every time I come to this national park, I say that. We drove up the Trail Ridge Road. We stopped at the many roadside stops to wander around and take lots of fun pictures. One place that I haven't stopped at before was the Continental Divide. I got to dip my toes in water that was going toward the Pacific Ocean! Also on that trail we saw a few big horned sheep on a ridge. It was so fun to see those animals prancing around up there. I can't wait to come visit this place again in the future.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - On our way to South Dakota to visit Grandma, we stopped at Mount Rushmore. We were meeting up with my friend who had just moved to South Dakota. While we were there waiting for her, Paul and I walked the trail below the monument. I think it is so cool to read about the facts of the presidents and how the monument was made. Gotta get a picture with all the presidents!
Badlands National Park - This is one of my favorite national parks. The mountains are very impressive. But you know those are going to be impressive even before going there. I have never heard much about the Badlands. While you are driving through South Dakota, there is nothing to see. But when you come to the Badlands you drive in and are just amazed as to see the beauty that God has put into the earth.