We stopped in Monument, CO for four nights to go to our old church and spend time with old friends. (I wish we had done a better job at remembering to take photos with them, but were too busy catching up I guess.) Our plans to have dinner with the Peterson’s on Saturday night fell through, so we decided to go visit my sister up in Parker instead. While there, we loaded up all the boxes that Jeremy still had stored in her basement. We didn’t think we’d be able to fit it all in this trip, but with some creative puzzling in the truck and the use of cabinets and drawers in the RV, we got it all in. Hopefully, the RV is not overweight now, but since we are almost done with our trip and the truck has handled a lot heavier, we should be fine.
Our first full day in town was a Sunday, so we went to The Ascent Church, where we used to attend before we moved to TN. Besides worshipping, we got a chance to catch up with some old friends. I loved the long, tight hugs I received from a few close friends who I’ve missed seeing for over two years!! I had contacted a few couples from our old small group ahead of time, so we could go out to lunch together after church. Then the Gambles stepped it up and invited us all to their house, which allowed for much easier conversations and hanging out with them, the Schott’s and the Bland’s for several hours! (Thanks, Brian & Missy!)
On Monday, I had made plans to visit my girlfriend, Cathy, for a couple of hours while Randy ran a few errands. While out, he saw the start of a grass fire near the interstate that ended up burning about 4 acres before they put it out. Meanwhile, traffic was a mess!
We had plans to go to the Schott’s house Monday evening, but had a few hours to spare, so we made last minute arrangements to stop by the Ewell’s, who were part of our first small group at The Ascent (when it was Tri-Lakes Chapel). Also, June taught Marissa piano lessons for several years and was a good friend to me during a tough season. So, it was nice to catch up with them and see their new home!
From there, we went to the Schott’s who have been incredible friends and are so selfless in their hospitality. We stayed overnight at their house many nights during our full-time RV journey. They made lots of changes to their property since we last visited, so it was fun to hang out (for 6 hours — sorry we stayed so late!) and see the progress, catch up further, and eat dinner with them.
Tuesday morning, I went on a short hike with another girlfriend, Shelley, while Randy met up with some El Paso Sheriff Office friends for lunch. Shelley was sweet to come pick me up, drive me around and drop me back off, since my and Randy’s schedule didn’t match up this time. She had also moved recently, so we stopped by her beautiful new home, which happened to be in our old Kings Deer neighborhood, for a tour. When she dropped me off at the RV, I reciprocated and offered a tour of our home, too, ha, which only took a minute to see.
Then, Tuesday evening, we met back up with the Schott’s and Gamble’s and drove up to Casa Bonita in Lakewood for dinner. Randy and I had never eaten at the original, but had watched the documentary of the South Park guys’ renovation of it, so were interested in seeing the new version. Plus, a TN friend who used to live in CO hyped it up enough to motivate me to get reservations. I made the reservation for six, hoping others would be able to join us, so I was excited that worked out! It was definitely a unique experience and super fun to hear Jason and Brian tell stories of the differences since they had last visited. (like, no more taped up carpet or vomit smells and better food, haha!) The long car ride to and from was almost as much fun, too — thanks again for driving, Jason! Unfortunately, we had to say a real “bye” this time when we left, but hopefully it won’t be another two years before we get another chance to visit.
I’m so thankful for deep friendships that stand the test of time!!!
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