we just returned from an unbelievable trip to Park City, Utah.  we went for Justin and Corinne’s wedding, but used the opportunity to take a well deserved vacation for just us…sans kiddos…the first time in 4 years…glorious, i tell you.

the trip was packed with amazing adventures and memorable moments…as i sit on the airplane heading back home…i thought it’d be a good time to document and share all of those memories…here goes…

the mountains.  unbelievably breathtaking.  the view was amazing no matter where you were.  when we were driving from the airport, we both felt like were in the movie Cars (yes, it’s a random comparison – but it definitely shows we have two kids).  then, there was the mountain weather – soooo gorgeous.  when it rained – it was an unbelievable storm that would light up the sky with flashes of lightening within the mountains.  when the sun was out – which was almost the entire time – it was low 70’s but the elevation made it feel like mid-80’s.  and, because we were there in September…the beginning of foliage was also a fantastic sight.  oh, and one other thing that i just loved…the lighting…Park City clearly has a lighting ordinance.  the lighting everywhere was so soft and nice…it felt like Christmas lights.  you’d look into the mountains and just see beautiful, soft lights of homes/businesses/streets/etc…so calming and peaceful.

the wedding...and then some.  what a well done event.  no detail was forgotten.  from the perfect location, to the events before and after the wedding, and everything in between…Justin & Corrine put on a spectacular affair with not only themselves in mind, but a focus on everyone who attended.  we also got to meet Corinne’s family, and i mean it when i say, they’re some of the nicest people i’ve ever met…so gracious, kind, and genuine…they also helped create the ideal environment.

the adventures.

• hot air balloon ride.  this trip was breathtaking.  it’s something i’ve always wanted to do and we got to experience it in the ideal mountain setting.  i’ll be honest – my knees were weak for the first 10 minutes, but then i acclimated and enjoyed every second.  we had perfect weather, a great host/driver, and we captured some nice photos. 
• olympic park.  the olympic park was so amazing and very humbling.  we got to watch the olympic ski jumpers practicing their jumps into a pool – my jaw dropped for each jump.  we also did the zip line from the top of the mountain…twice…holy crap was it fun!
• Park City beer festival and farmer’s market.  we spent an afternoon in Park City’s downtown…and by downtown, i don’t mean city.  it was a quaint Main Street with only private/small businesses.  we went during the beer festival and farmer’s market…which shut down the streets for all the local craft tents, bands, food, booze…just a down-to-earth good time.
• gondola rides.  we got to ride the gondola a couple times…again, such amazing views…once to eat lunch on top of the mountain and again to attend the top-of-mountain wedding.  the coolest part was coming down the mountain after the wedding in the thunder and lightening storm.  now, it doesn’t sound the safest, but they reassured us the storm was in the distance.  the pitch black mountains (you could barely see your hand in front of your face) were only lit from the lightening in the distance.  amazing experience!
• Canyons hotel.  the room was awesome, the heated outdoor pool was awesome, the hot tubs were awesome, and the people were awesome!  for example…we were exhausted from our first day of travel (with 4 hours of sleep in 36 hrs prior to even heading to the welcome bbq)…we asked the woman in the spa store if she had eye drops…she said “hmmm…let me check” and then reached under the counter and pulled out drops from her purse!  we mentioned that we wanted to buy some, and then she proceeded to call a lil shop 100 yds away for us.  we got our drops and therefore looked less exhausted…but, seriously…can you get nicer than that?  we had multiple encounters like that one…again, inspiring.

the return.  not only did we get to celebrate out 6 yr anniversary, we reminded ourselves how important and enjoyable it is to get away and experience the world beyond our surroundings.  it’s easy to get caught up in a routine…esp. with two young’ns.  so, here’s to an unbelievable vacation, to an unforgettable wedding, and to more adventures in the future!  thanks to all!  :)