The Leaving Loveland for Madison Bucket List

Adam and I started packing up the house, just small stuff like DVDs and books. While our departure to Madison has been certain for months now, the actual move has been more of a fantasy involving a contract with my ideal job, the purchase of our first home, and Mickey roaming in our lush, magnificently landscaped, Wisconsin backyard. The reality actually involves no job, no house, a dreadfully dry Colorado lawn, and the enormous cost of simply renting a moving truck. In order to make the pending move more bittersweet than just plain sour, Adam and I decided to make a list of outings we would like to enjoy before we load up the pricey U-Haul. Most of the excursions are fond memories comprising our 2 ½ years as a couple while others encompass undiscovered monuments testament only to Northern Colorado. In no particular order, we will be enjoying the following with anyone who would like to join us!

1. Batman in the IMAX

…Because I am married to Adam Mark and well, it’s Batman.

2. Walk around Bear Lake/Day in Estes

…My family made yearly trips to Bear Lake for years and I want Adam to be a part of the tradition as he has never been. Also, Estes has the Estes Brewery, sufficing Adam’s love for local beer and my passion for what I believe to be the best onion rings in the world.

Bear Lake 1988

3. Brewery Tours-Adam’s Choice

...More to come on this outing as the list is consistently amended by my husband.

4. Denver Zoo

…When we were dating, Adam surprised me with “date days.” The Zoo was one of my favorites, but followed closely by our very first date day to see the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, followed later by the Aquarium, Pike’s Peak, and numerous trips to various Denver venues.

5. A Stay at Embassy Suites for our 1^st Anniversary

…I have nothing but great memories of Embassy. After our wedding ceremony we headed to the Loveland Embassy for our reception and our 8^th floor honeymoon suite. Our second night as a married couple was spent at the DIA Embassy. From the romanticized wedding memories to the free evening drinks, I love Embassy Suites.

Our First Dance

Loveland's Embassy Suites

DIA Embassy Happy Hour

6. Picnic at Viestenz-Smith Park

…Again, Adam grew up in the Springs. He needs to see this Loveland landmark.

7. Water World

…We enjoyed Water World summer of 2010, our first summer together. Peter, Adam’s best friend (best man at our wedding) joined us and we had a fantastic day.

8. Bike the Loveland Bike Path

…Neither of us have done this. I think we should have a picnic somewhere along the way.

9. Evening in Old-Town Fort Collins-Café Vino and Coffee

…Adam and I enjoyed our first date at Café Vino in Old Town. Adam drank some sort of scotch and he purchased a chocolate martini for me. All of this occurred on November 19, 2009. On November 19, 2010 we went back to our Café for our one year dating anniversary. I honestly believed Adam was going to propose. Needless to say, there was no proposal. Not at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or New Years. I decided to hold out until Valentine’s Day as Adam also took me to Café Vino on our first Valentine’s Day together…yes, we need to broaden our restaurant repertoire. On Wednesday, January 19 Adam proposed and I had no idea it was coming. Perfect Surprise.

Anniversary Dinner

Coffee After Dinner at Cafe Vino

 10. Date Night at Centerra-On the Border

…Adam’s parents threw us a phenomenal rehearsal dinner at our favorite restaurant in Centerra.

The festivities are scheduled to begin this week. On the Border anyone?!