Colorado Trip, Day 1–3: Soccer, Family, and a Great Start to Vacation

Our 10-day Colorado adventure kicked off with a soccer-filled weekend as Bodhi and his SDU soccer team traveled from South Dakota to compete in the Real Cup tournament in Aurora.

One of the highlights of the weekend was getting to stay with Chris and Erin. They opened their home to us and truly spoiled us from the moment we arrived. Between the comfortable beds, quiet neighborhood walks, delicious meals, and great company, it felt like a vacation before the vacation even began. Chris graciously chauffeured us around all weekend, allowing us to skip the stress of navigating city traffic and simply enjoy our time together.

When we weren’t at the soccer fields, we squeezed in some exploring. A trip to Pearl Street was a favorite, especially for Noah and Willow, who loved browsing the record and poster shops. It was fun watching them discover treasures and soak in the unique atmosphere of Boulder. The boys also got to attend the Colorado Rapids Soccer game with the rest of the team which was another highlight of the trip.

One evening, we enjoyed a memorable dinner at a beautiful cider brewery perched atop a bluff with incredible views of the Flatirons. While we waited for our food, the kids played hacky sack and admired the scenery, making for one of those simple family moments that ends up becoming a favorite memory.

Of course, the main reason for the trip was soccer, and Bodhi’s team did not disappoint. The SDU squad faced talented teams from New Mexico, Minnesota, and Colorado throughout the tournament. They played outstanding soccer all weekend and remained undefeated heading into the championship game. After a hard-fought match, the title came down to a shootout, where they ultimately fell just short. While the loss was disappointing in the moment, the team had an incredible tournament and should be proud of everything they accomplished.

Between great soccer, quality family time, and the generous hospitality of Chris and Erin, it was the perfect way to begin our Colorado getaway. If this weekend was any indication, we knew we were in for a wonderful trip ahead.