This Body is Bullshit

We got back from Denver just before midnight last night—exhausted, slightly sore, and genuinely grateful. I think both Matt and I were a little nervous heading into this trip. It had been ten years since we’d last been out to see his sister and brother-in-law, and you never really know what ten years might do to a dynamic.

But honestly? It went better than either of us expected.

Not only did we get to see the mountains (which, as Midwesterners, still feel like a special effect every time), but they planned something for us to do every single day—just to be outside and take in nature. It was exactly what we needed: crisp air, blue skies, mountain views, and that sense of “wow” that you can’t get in the flatlands.

We didn’t see as much wildlife as I had hoped—still holding out for a surprise bear or dramatic mountain lion cameo—but we did meet their three pups: Belle, Louie, and Charlie. Our official dog nieces and nephew. As expected, I fell a little in love with each of them.

Their home has been beautifully renovated since we were last there. It felt like a true Colorado retreat—warm, inviting, and full of personality. The backyard was next-level: a gazebo, multiple TVs, a hot tub, garden beds, string lights, fire pits… basically, Pinterest came to life. It was cozy, lived-in, and made for long conversations and fun drinks.

We ate great food, went out for cocktails, and had real conversations—the kind that go past small talk and into the stuff you don’t always get to say. We talked about the parents, the aunts, all the things that connect us but often get lost in the distance.

Sometimes when life keeps everyone busy and far apart, it’s easy for things like resentment or misunderstandings to sneak in and settle down. But this trip reminded me that at the core, family is still home. And sometimes home just needs a little reconnection, a little laughter, and maybe a cocktail or two under the gazebo lights.

They were incredibly generous hosts, and it felt like we hit a little reset button for all four of us. We needed that. All of us did.

Now I just need to unpack… and maybe look into Colorado real estate. Kidding. (Kind of.)