Exploring Raleigh-Durham, NC - Day 1

March 31, 2023 in North Carolina

We had the pleasure of visiting Raleigh-Durham for my friend Linda’s wedding, and decided to make a weekend trip out of it to explore all that Raleigh-Durham had to offer. From the exciting food and drink scene to the city’s fascinating history and natural beauty, there was no shortage of things to see and do.

Transfer Co Food Hall

As soon as we landed, Transfer Co Food Hall was the first stop. With over tons of vendors in an early 1900s building, the food hall offers a diverse range of cuisine from all over the world. We grabbed a quick bite to eat, which was the perfect pick-me-up after the flight.

transfer co food hall raleigh durham north carolina

The space itself is modern and inviting, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and communal tables throughout the hall.

21c Museum Hotel

After filling up on delicious food, we made our way to the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham. This contemporary art museum is housed in a historic bank building, complete with a restored bank vault. The vault’s intricate architecture and design was fascinating and it was definitely a unique experience to be inside it.

Bar Virgile and Annexe

To cap off our first night in Raleigh-Durham, we headed to Bar Virgile and Annexe for some drinks and food. Bar Virgile is a cocktail bar with a laid back and cozy vibe, the perfect date spot. We ended up in the sister basement bar Annexe, which is a more casual space that has a variety of small plates to complement the drinks. This was the perfect way to unwind for the end of our first day.

bar virgile annexe durham north carolina bar

A Weekend Getaway To Denver and Colorado Springs

March 28, 2023 in Colorado

Pikes Peak and the Cog Railway

Located in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the United States. The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1891 and is the world’s highest cog railroad that takes visitors up to the summit of Pikes Peak. On the way up, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the beautiful scenery surrounding Pikes Peak.

pikes peak cog railway manitou springs colorado

The views from Pikes Peak are absolutely stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Cog Railway provides a unique perspective of the mountain and surrounding landscapes as it slowly makes its way up to the summit.

When you get to the top, there’s a visitor’s center where you can warm up and grab some snacks.

Manitou Springs, CO

Maintou Springs is a charming mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s filled with galleries, studios, and boutiques showing the works of the local artists. We walked around the town and grabbed a bite to eat. There’s lots of eclectic shops for souvenirs shopping, or simply just taking a leisurely stroll down the main street to soak up the atmosphere.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a world-renowned natural landmark known for its massive red rock formations. You can either explore the trails by foot or by bike with over 15 miles of trails to choose from. The red rock formations are some of the most stunning and unique rock formations in the world. The towering spires and steep cliffs create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that is sure to take your breath away.

Denver Union Station

Union Station is a historic landmark right in downtown Denver. The train station was completely renovated and is home to restaurants, bars, boutique shops and a hotel.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a stunning public garden and cultural center. It spans 24 acres and has a wide variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a water garden. When coming to Denver, it is a must visit for nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful escape from the city.

Where Did We Eat in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO

July 22, 2022 in Colorado

We had a wedding to attend in Colorado Springs so we made a quick weekend trip out of it splitting time between Denver and Colorado Springs. Here’s where we ate!

Denver Central Market - Denver, CO

This marketplace and food hall is right in the RiNo River North art district. We got food from Vero Italian Kitchen and Tammen’s Fish Market and picked a nice table outside to enjoy the weather.

Denver Central Market Colorado Vero Italian

Denver Central Market Colorado Tammens Seafood

Denver Central Market Colorado Vero Italian Pizza

Denver Central Market Colorado Tammens Fish Tacos — Fish Tacos

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Game House - Denver, CO

We stayed at the Hotel Inverness and this beer garden is located on the ground floor of the hotel. We stopped by here to grab a quick drink and a snack before heading back to our room for the night. It had great atmosphere with tons of pub games like shuffleboard, darts, and pool. We weren’t anticipating the nachos to be so HUGE so you definitely get your money’s worth.

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Game House Denver Hilton Inverness — Chicken Nachos

Exile Kitchen Denver - Denver, CO

This was a great spot for some comfort food. They had all sorts of Southern Louisiana style food and the restaurant had a very cozy feel. Now looking back at the restaurant, it looks like this restaurant has closed.

Exile kitchen denver Eggs benedict — Pot roast benedict

Exile kitchen denver boudin balls — Boudin balls

Urban Egg - Colorado Springs, CO

Great brunch spot with your typical breakfast offerings. The place was packed so it must have been popular with the locals.

Urban Egg Denver, CO Breakfast Burrito — Breakfast burrito

Urban Egg Denver, CO Breakfast Sandwich — Breakfast Sandwich

Border Burger Bar - Manitou Springs, CO

From Colorado Springs, we went up the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. After we were done, we walked around Manitou Springs and grabbed lunch at Border Burger Bar. Can’t go wrong with a classic cheeseburger with a side of pickles!

Border burger bar manitou springs Burger and Fries — Cheeseburger

Border burger bar manitou springs fried pickles — Fried Pickles

Kai's Birth Day

August 17, 2020

It was just a regular night and I had just fallen asleep. After about an hour, Dawn woke me up saying the baby is coming and the contractions are getting pretty regular. The pain was increasing, but based on Maddox’s birth she felt like it was about time to head to the hospital.

So a quick back story about Maddox’s birth, it was very rough on Dawn. She was induced at midnight and went through a very long and painful 30 hour labor for his delivery.

When we got checked in to the hospital, the initial check showed that Dawn was 9 cm dilated. Everyone was surprised that she was up and walking around.

They quickly wheeled her up to the delivery room to prepare for the birth. When we got there, they immediately asked if she needed an epidural. Since we were so close to delivery, Dawn opted not to get one and did the delivery with no anesthesia.

Dawn is a BADASS.

After about 4 hours at the hospital and 35 minutes of pushing, Kai was born!

and with a FULL head of hair.

kai birth day footprint thomas chen thomaslchen

Due to the hospital’s COVID protocol, we only had to stay one night. When we brought Kai home, Maddox was really eager to meet his new brother. He was really curious and loved to poke and prod his legs.

A basket of gifts does wonders easing Maddox into the big brother role. The hospital also sent us home with a “Big Brother” cake for him. Perfect timing, the next day was Maddox’s birthday too! We have a lot to celebrate and many joint birthdays to come!

Maddox's 2nd Birthday

August 09, 2020

We celebrated Maddox’s 2nd birthday early since baby #2’s due date is right around his actual birthday. Maddox loves dinosaurs so it’s only natural that we have a dinosaur themed party.

We invited our family over to have a small party and needless to say, Maddox had a great time!