first visitors-both kinds

We were blessed with our first dinner guests and overnight guests less than 2 weeks after we moved in.  It was nice to have to push to get some things set (like the guest room,) and also to take a little breather and enjoy our guests.
The weekend started Thursday night with friends Caleb, Tisha, and baby Camden who kindly drove down from downtown for dinner.  They were unfortunately reminded of big city rush-hour traffic, but we got to enjoy snacks, a couple drinks and try out take-out from a local BBQ joint that we will definitely try again.  They were in town from Iowa for a wedding and left bigger kids Cadyn and Tegan in Nebraska with grandparents. We feel very lucky they made time for us in their busy weekend and I'm happy to report our fair city treated them well on the rest of their trip.

those napkins said it all as I laid out the first guest appetizers in our new home 

Not even b&w could fix the lighting issues with this one, but I think the smiles and subjects more than make up for it. ;)

The next morning Brian and Angela flew in from Wichita to hang out for the weekend and mostly to see the band AWOL nation.  We started with lunch at the new Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton and I surprised them with a brewery tour while Ben and I ran errands and visited a nearby playground.  We headed home for drinks and dinner.  

They joined us the next morning for Ben's visit to Skip and we hit up the very local Blue Spruce Brewery for lunch where I think we all enjoyed the beer and food better than the day before.  Quick showers and naps (for the childless;) were in order before we dropped Ben with Nana and Papa and headed to the concert.  I chose Denver's most famous vegetarian (now vegan) spot, Watercourse foods, for Brian and I don't think any of us were overwhelmingly impressed.  I've been there for brunch and when they still had real cheese and I don't think I need to ever go again.  The early line for the concert surprised us all but we still had fantastic "seats" as the Fillmore is 95% standing only.  Brian and Angela have now seen AWOL at least 3 times and said it was a great show with lots of different songs.  Despite my trying to convince myself otherwise beforehand, their music tends a bit on the angry side for my taste but I was thankful for the big smiles on my friends faces.

the third row came in handy lots on this trip

I think he's looking up weird menu items ;)

our group selfie game needs work

Sadly, Ryan had to head out of town for work Sunday morning before anyone else awoke.  Brian, Angela and I stopped at Whole Foods for breakfast before gathering Ben and setting forth on a light rail adventure to REI downtown.  We made it home just in time for kick-off of the Broncos game and were pleasantly surprised by ALL the Lineberrys joining us to watch.  Brian concocted a plan to take the bus to the airport from a nearby light rail station.  I finally gave in and they said the trip was a breeze.  The ticket prices weren't much different from the toll road fare, so we are forever grateful for Brian's research and this new travel tip.  The next time they come the light rail WILL be in from the airport to near our house.

first class goobers, these two

The nice break from settling in was even more precious than I imagined.  I have a renewed motivation to get back after those boxes and a grateful heart for friends from all over taking time to spend with us. 

A big motivation in moving to a bigger home was the ability to entertain indoors.  My heart was so full with a house full of friends from near and far enjoying each other and cheering for our team (most of us).  I look very forward to lots more of this in the near future.

 

a house full of love....

...and a couch full of Lineberrys

(Ryan was on the phone in front of them and face-timed for most of the game.;)