Dec,2024 Fort Collins - Christmas!

Monday, Dec 23

Travel Day: Early pick-up at 6:15a since it's the holiday season. Did a car for us and Jake separate to make it easy for everyone. Flight was on time (8:44a) and arrived in Denver around 10:30. Arrived at the Airbnb by 1:00 and, luckily we were able to check in early.

Kathryn and I picked up lunch at Austin's American Grill in Old Town, while Jake napped. Jake got a Bison Burger, Mike had the Roasted Turkey Club and Kathryn enjoyed a Cobb Salad. The food was excellent. Brittany had to work most of the day, then picked up Jake to go back to her apartment to sort and wrap gifts. Kathryn did the shopping while Mike went for a walk along the Poudre River.

In the evening Brittany and Josh came over with Cosmos Pizza and we watched our traditional National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. A nice night to kick off our Christmas.

Tuesday, Dec 24

Weather: Unseasonably warm around 50 with low wind - Nice!

Everyone slept late and we had a lazy morning. Around midday we went to Josh and Brittany's apartment and were greeted with the aroma of delicious cookies fresh out of the oven. Did a 4.5 mile hike on a nice sunny, warm day (temps in the 50's).

Hike

Brittany and Josh came back to the Airbnb around 4:00pm with lots of presents! We all played the very fun board game SpyCraft while football was on in the background. Josh won the game and then we all pitched in to make the traditional Christmas Eve appetizer feast.

Watched "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" as we enjoyed all those appetizers. Tasty!

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, Dec 25 - Christmas Day!

Weather: Same! Warm around 50 with low wind.

The main event! Brittany and Josh came over with Christmas Tree in tow, around noon to open presents. Lots of fun and took quite a while! Halfway through we took a break for Kathryn's traditional Egg casserole and fresh fruit brunch, tasty!.

Opening Presents!

After, we finished opening presents, we made our ginger bread house! Brittany and I started the annual tradition when she was just five years old as part of our Adventure Princess activities. We have carried on the tradition every year since with only a few missed years. Now, Jake, Josh, Brit and I continue the tradition.

Ginger Bread House Tradition and Christmas Dinner

Then had a great time playing the video game Family Feud, even though the group decided that Kathryn was too slow at the controls to play in the lightening round, it was a lot of fun. Afterwards played Drawful, another fun video game.

Everyone again pitched in to cook Christmas dinner while the Bears managed to lose in fine fashion on National television. After dinner watched "A Christmas Story" and enjoyed cookies and chocolate bark. We were all pleasantly stuffed and sleepy.

Thursday, Dec 26

Weather: Same! Warm around 50 with low wind. Great for hiking.

Josh had to work, but Mike, Kathryn, Jake and Brittany went to Lory State Park and had an amazing (and strenuous) hike to the summit of Arthur's Rock.

Lory State Park - Arthur's Rock Hike

In the evening Josh and Brittany made a fantastic dinner of braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and carrots, followed by brownie pudding and vanilla ice cream! Tasty!

Our last Christmas movie, Elf, and an earlier evening as Josh and Brittany had to work Friday morning. Sadly, had to say goodbye to Brittany and Josh as our flight is early the next morning. The time goes so fast.

Friday, Dec 27

Weather: Good travel weather Fort Collins and Chicago.

Uneventful travel, which is always good. Flight was on time and it was nice to have separate cars again for Jake and Kathryn and I.

Home Sweet Home!