10 Year Anniversary

I think it's safe to say that I love this man more today than the day I married him 10 years ago.  10 years!!!  Trenton and I decided we needed to treat ourselves to a night away- and we have always wanted to stay at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  The hotel is nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak and it evokes an atmosphere of Victorian romance and opulence dating back nearly 150 years. From its storied start as a stagecoach stop to its turn-of-the-century prominence as the area's premier mineral resort, it truly is my favorite spot in Manitou Springs. I love anything with history, and this place has history.  The entire city does- which is another reason we wanted to stay there, so we could take our time and explore.

Once we dropped the babies of at Laurie's (Thank you Laurie!) we decided to drive through Garden of the Gods.  It was a rainy afternoon, and kind of foggy, which stood as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant red rocks and budding trees.

Once the staff learned that we were celebrating our anniversary, they upgraded us to their nicest suite.  Such a treat.

Once we got settled, we explored a little before dinner and stumbled upon "Lovers Ln."  Perfect timing.

Trenton spoiled me with a dinner at my favorite restaurant, Coquette's.  All of the food is 100% gluten-free, so I can feel safe to eat whatever I want there.  And since we were celebrating, we went a little crazy.  We started with truffle oil French fries with basil aioli, and goat cheese, basil, and tomato crepes. Then for dinner we shared a giant salad with roasted fennel, beets, candied nuts, grilled chicken and goat cheese and the most heavenly bacon cheeseburger I have ever had.  For dessert we shared blueberry-lemon and red velvet cupcakes.  Everything was so perfectly yummy.

 

After dinner, we went to one of my favorite bookstore and listened to live music while we browsed.  I found this book and it cracked me up.  I feel like I could have written it.

 



I also found these prayer-stones.  I think these three words sufficiently sum up the last 10 years of our marriage.

 

The hotel room was gorgeous.  We listened to the rain while we watched the fire next to our bed, all while sitting comfortably in the robes they provided.  We woke up to the smell of bacon and the sound of birds outside our window.  The view of Manitou and the mountains was breathtaking.

 



 

We enjoyed a complimentary breakfast in the hotel's sun-filled dining room.  You know you're staying in a nice hotel when you ask for ketchup, and they bring it to you in a ramekin, on a doily, with a dainty little spoon.  I would have been happy with a bottle- but this was just a little reminder of how much the staff was spoiling us.

 

My favorite part of the room was the jetted spa tub in the bedroom.

Trenton's favorite part was the steam shower and heated toilet seats.

The view from our room couldn't be beat.

 

While we were exploring all the cute little shops in Manitou, we ran across a soap and lotion boutique where you can create custom products.  They have a buffet of essential oils and scents that can be added to any of their lotions, bath bombs, and body washes.  I chose for her to make me a honey almond goat's milk lotion that smells good enough to eat.

Spring had definitely sprung in Manitou.  The trees were glorious.

150 years ago, Colorado Springs and Manitou were prime real estate for those suffering from tuberculosis, due to the high altitude, healing mineral water, and dry air.  This is one of the existing tuberculosis huts that patients used to live in.  Super creepy if you ask me.

Trenton and I genuinely enjoyed our time away, but we also couldn't wait to see our babies.  There's nothing like being all together to remind us what the last 10 years have been about.