Christopher and I were able to get away for a night in Estes park on January 1st. My parents kindly agreed to watch our girls-you didn't have to ask us twice if we wanted to go. The town itself was pretty quiet, though at least half of the stores were open. We perused the sunlight-bathed, south-facing side of the street and then reluctantly crossed over to the shady side. Our leisure walk in the balmy 20 to 30 degrees changed to brisk window shopping.
We ended up in an equipment rental store. We planned to go snowshoeing up by Bear Lake the next morning and thought we would have to return on Wednesday morning to pick up our shoes and poles. Not so, we were fortunate in being able to rent our equipment and save a trip back to the cold "south side".
Our dinner offerings were rather limited though we did find a cozy place to eat-"The Other Side"-not too far from the condo where we were staying. Another couple arrived shortly before we did and had requested a window seat next to the fireplace. I asked to be seated in front of the fireplace and quickly realized why the other couple wanted to be off to the side. THEY DIDN'T NEED THE EXTRA HEAT!!!! We talked and tried not to notice them kissing. They kissed as much as we talked. Chris mentioned a time or two that they needed to get a room. Just as the couple was about to leave, they stood to take pictures in front of the giant wreath in the dining room. Chris volunteered to take a picture of them together, and these were their words, "Thanks, we're on our honeymoon." Enough said. Just at that time, Chris' phone rang and our girls were calling to share good news!! "Kristen went potty all by herself!" We left the dining room and the comfort of the fireplace to rejoice in the blessed news.
And that's when I realized that ten years makes a big difference. I'd like to see that couple ten years from now. I don't think they'd be quite so different from us--they'd spend their evening talking about home, family, children and life in general and would make a big deal if their two-year old was getting the whole potty thing. Kudos to them for beginning their life together in such a love-filled way and for being a great reminder to the rest of us to not always rely on a fireplace to generate a little heat.
