Denver with the Girls

A few months ago Amber and Ellen and I decided we needed to finally just bite the bullet, make the plans, kiss our hubbies and kids goodbye and head off to see each other for a weekend. We chose Denver because it was a direct flight for all of us and seemed like an interesting place to go. We all loved the city! Here are some pictures, not necessarily in order.
Amber and I got in first, met up and waited for the bus into the city.
We checked into our hotel (which wasn't this rumpled until later, actually) and got some lunch while we waited for Ellen.
That night we met up with Brent and his friend Alex for drinks at some hipster place (Fancy martinis all around? Don't mind if we do!) and then Cuban food for dinner.
...And more drinks (Mango mojitos you say? Yes, please.) afterward. Yes, we got home safely and before midnight.
The next morning we found ourselves a moderately un-greasy breakfast and then grabbed the free bus to the lower downtown area.
....Where we spent much time at the Tattered Cover.
Then we walked up to this area for a look-around.
It was a little chilly, but we're from Iowa. Then we found the Wynkoop brewpub. I'm not sure we were really feeling it with the beers so early, but they were good. The salty pretzels helped.
We took a little tour. This guy showed us their new machine for canning their beers. They fill the cans by hand, one at a time...as the guy is demonstrating here. I really wanted to bring a 6-pack home for Pete, but couldn't justify the $20 bag-check that that would have required.
Other sights at the Wynkoop:

We made an unplanned stop at the Rockmount Ranchwear shop, which turned out to be quite the place. We couldn't afford any of their awesome cowgirl shirts, but we did admire this giant styrofoam Santa.
Then we made our way back to the hotel where we enjoyed the free hot chocolate in the lobby and sat for some knitting and chatting time.
The ceiling in the lobby reminds me of Nanabijou Lodge.
That evening we visited a Christmas Market and then tried to get out of the throngs downtown for the parade so that we could catch a cab to a restaurant. We finally were told our best bet would be to walk several blocks to another hotel to catch a cab there. Then one of those bicyclist cabbies came by and offered us a ride. When I asked how much he said "just a cool tip". Hippie. The ride was quite exciting. Here we are, trying not to squeal in terror as he zipped about in 4 lanes of traffic and cut off buses.
When we did catch an automobile cab we made fast friends with Hanta, the Kenyan driver. He took us to La Loma (on Will and Sandy's suggestion-thank you very much) and picked us up again later and also drove us to the airport this morning. If anyone is in need of cab services in Denver let me know, I'll give you Hanta's number.
We all ate enchiladas at La Loma and they were about the best enchiladas I have ever had. I could eat another plate right now.
Here are Amber and Ellen after much talk about all of the important girl things....sex, lactating, husbands, parenting, high school, food...(they all seem to tie together in one way or another, don't they?)
Sadly, I did not get any pictures of us in the snowy weather this morning. Happily, we are all already planning to make this a more regular event. There's a lot to be said for girls you've known since long before all of that sex, lactating, high school, husbands, parenting stuff. I think we're probably all rejuvenated for a while.