Fort Collins-CO

Between Adventures

A Few Days in Fort Collins with Friends

As we packed up the motorhome in Rocky Mountain National Park, it felt like we were closing one chapter of our journey and preparing for another.

Ahead of us were two of the destinations we had been looking forward to since we first started planning our seven-month adventure—Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

But before heading north, we made one important stop.

Fort Collins.

Not for another national park.

Not for another famous attraction.

But to spend a few days with lifelong friends.

Some friendships don't need constant communication to stay strong.

Jessie and his college roommate have been friends for years. He stood beside us on our wedding day, and although life has taken us to different states and different seasons, every time we're together it feels like no time has passed at all.

Those kinds of friendships are a gift.

This wasn't our first visit to Fort Collins. In fact, it was our second time spending a few days with them, which made it feel even more like coming home.

From the moment we arrived, we settled right into conversation, shared meals, laughed about old memories, and caught up on everything that had happened since we'd last seen one another.

Sometimes you don't realize how much you've missed people until you're sitting around the table together again.

One evening we gathered around the grill for a backyard barbecue.

Nothing fancy.

Just good food, great conversation, and the kind of evening that reminds you how meaningful simple moments can be.

Those are the memories I find myself holding onto most.

When we were there, Jessie, Hudson, and Lincoln spent several hours fishing together.

This wasn't just another fishing trip.

It was another opportunity for Hudson to learn.

Up to this point, spinning rods had become second nature, but this time he experienced something completely new.

Fly fishing.

Watching him learn a different style of fishing was so much fun. There were plenty of tangled casts, lots of encouragement, and even more excitement when everything finally came together.

Then it happened.

Hudson landed his very first fish on a fly rod.

Not only was it his first fish on a fly, but it was also a species he had never caught before.

The smile on his face said everything.

Moments like that remind me why we love introducing our kids to new experiences.

You never know which one will become a lifelong passion.

One afternoon we packed up and spent the day at the river.

The kids splashed through the water, searched for rocks, skipped stones, and simply enjoyed another beautiful summer day together.

The adults relaxed nearby, enjoying each other's company, catching up on life, and appreciating how easy it felt to spend time with good friends.

There wasn't an agenda.

No schedule.

Just a beautiful Colorado afternoon spent exactly how summer should be.

While the boys were off fishing and enjoying the river, I decided it was finally time for a little adventure of my own.

Sometimes moms need a little break too.

I treated myself to a pedicure before wandering into downtown Fort Collins for a quiet morning by myself.

My first stop was Exploredo Market Coffee, and it quickly became one of my favorite coffee shops of the trip.

As someone who eats gluten free, finding treats I can actually enjoy always feels like such a win.

That morning I ordered a delicious gluten-free bagel, a chocolate pumpkin muffin, and of course, a coffee.

It was the perfect little treat.

Afterward, I wandered over to Barnes & Noble, taking my time browsing the shelves without anyone asking for snacks, helping tie shoes, or wondering when we were leaving.

As moms, those quiet moments don't happen very often.

When they do, I've learned to enjoy every minute of them.

I left feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready for the next adventure.

The best part?

Everyone else had enjoyed their own adventures too.

As our time in Fort Collins came to an end, the excitement around the house started to build.

There was one more reason this visit was so special.

Our friends weren't just sending us off to the next stop on our journey.

They were coming with us.

The RVs were packed.

The coolers were stocked.

Fishing gear was organized.

Last-minute grocery runs were finished.

Together, we were preparing for one of the adventures we'd all been looking forward to—exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks together.

Watching everyone get ready made the excitement even more contagious.

The kids couldn't stop talking about all the adventures that were waiting for them.

The adults were just as excited.

As we pulled away from Fort Collins, I couldn't help but smile.

Some stops on a road trip are about incredible scenery.

Others are about famous attractions.

Fort Collins reminded me that sometimes the best destinations are the ones where you're surrounded by people who know you best.

The mountains would still be waiting.

The wildlife would still be there.

But first, our hearts had been filled by something just as important.

Friendship.

Sometimes the best way to prepare for your next adventure is to spend a few days with the people who make every adventure even better.

-Kayla