Easter Sunday in the Colorado mountains is always an experience, but this particular year, it unfolded with a unique blend of spiritual reflection, spirited chaos, and heartwarming family togetherness. From an early morning dash to church to the vibrant energy of Vail’s closing day, and culminating in a magnificent homemade feast, it was a day truly etched in memory. Join us as we recount an Easter celebration that captured the essence of springtime, family, and mountain living.

An Unforgettable Easter Sunday in the Colorado Mountains: From Vail’s Closing Day to a Family Feast

There’s a special kind of magic that blankets the Colorado mountains on Easter Sunday. The crisp air still carries a hint of winter, yet the promise of spring is undeniable. This year, our Easter began with a collective decision to embrace the quietude of an early morning service. The plan was simple: attend the 8 AM service as a group, hoping to beat the usual crowds and allow the guys ample time to hit the slopes for Vail’s much-anticipated closing day festivities. Little did we know, this seemingly straightforward plan would kickstart a day filled with delightful surprises and memorable moments.

A Dawn Dash to Divine Service: Minturn’s Quaint Easter Gathering

As the clock neared 7:30 AM, the serene mountain morning was quickly disrupted. While the rest of us enjoyed our slumber, Listy, ever the superstar, had been awake since 4 AM, tending to little Chance. Her dedication to keeping our youngest family member content truly made her a “BAMF,” as we like to say – a testament to her incredible strength and unwavering spirit. A quick glance at Mr. B’s phone confirmed our worst fears: we were running incredibly late! I leaped out of bed, frantically pulling on clothes, while Max and Mr. B were still deep in dreams. It was then that AC, with perfect comedic timing and a playful spirit, entered the room and declared, “Jesus rose from the dead, you can get out of bed.”

And just like that, the magic words worked. In what felt like a world record for preparing for church, Nick, Listy, Max, Chance, AC, Mr. B, and I were out the door by 7:55 AM. Our destination was a small, charming church nestled in Minturn, just about five miles from our mountain abode. The drive itself was a scenic start to the day, with the sun just beginning to illuminate the snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, we found the church brimming with fellow worshippers. It was so packed, in fact, that we had to stand, but we were just happy to have made it, soaking in the reverent atmosphere.

During the service, I experienced a moment of unexpected hilarity. Unbeknownst to me, the church lights were directly behind where I was standing. As I subtly shifted my weight, the lights began to flicker erratically. Puzzled, I wondered aloud what mechanical malfunction was occurring, only for Listy to gently point out that I was inadvertently pressing the on and off switch with my back. I felt like a colossal tool in that moment, but the shared laughter certainly added a memorable, lighthearted touch to our Easter worship. It was a perfect encapsulation of our family’s ability to find joy and humor in every situation, even in the most sacred of settings.

Easter Brunch & Basket Bliss: Fueling Up in Edwards

Following the uplifting service, the morning’s agenda quickly shifted gears. The guys were eager to make the most of Vail’s legendary closing day, a tradition steeped in springtime revelry and last-ditch runs. However, before they could dash off to the slopes, a very important event took place: little Chance received his very first Easter basket! Overflowing with goodies and brightly colored treats, it was a heartwarming sight to behold, all lovingly sent by his Grandma Barb. Watching him gurgle with delight at the colorful contents, I couldn’t help but humorously ponder whether it would be truly wrong to “borrow” a chocolate Easter bunny from a four-month-old. Just a thought, of course, but the temptation of that smooth, sweet chocolate was undeniable!

With the guys off to Vail, Listy, Rachel, and I realized we were absolutely starving after our early start. Our hunger led us to the delightful Café 163 in Edwards, a local gem known for its fantastic brunch offerings. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast fare. This place truly rocked, offering the perfect blend of cozy charm and culinary excellence to kick off our Easter afternoon.

No celebratory brunch is complete without a little sparkle, and we happily indulged in mimosas. Served in elegant wine glasses, they added a touch of festive cheer to our meal – we jokingly decided we must have been at the “short bus table” for such generous pours, but certainly weren’t complaining! The effervescent drink paired perfectly with the lively ambiance of the café, making for a truly relaxing and enjoyable interlude.

For my main dish, I opted for their legendary breakfast burrito, generously filled with savory pork chili. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor – the warmth of the chili, the perfectly cooked eggs, and the hearty fillings creating a truly unforgettable breakfast experience. It was, in a word, delish. Listy and Rachel’s choices were equally scrumptious, and we spent a wonderful hour savoring our food and enjoying each other’s company, recharging for the busy afternoon ahead.

The Great Easter Feast Preparation: A Culinary Marathon with a Little Helper

Brunch concluded, Listy and I embarked on the next crucial mission of our Easter Sunday: gathering the provisions for our grand Easter feast. We headed to the grocery store, lists in hand, to pick up an array of appetizers and essential sides. Our ambition for the evening was significant, promising a memorable spread for our gathered loved ones. The planning for this meal began weeks ago, focusing on classic, comforting dishes with a gourmet twist. Tonight’s menu was designed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates, embodying the festive spirit of Easter with robust flavors and hearty portions.

Tonight’s Grand Easter Dinner Menu:

• Succulent Prime Rib with a Rich Coffee Rub
  • This prime rib was to be the undisputed star of our Easter dinner, promising a tender, flavorful centerpiece. The unique coffee rub adds an incredible depth of flavor and a beautiful crust, making each slice a true indulgence.
  • The Coffee Rub Recipe:
    • 1/4 cup of finely ground coffee (for that subtle, earthy depth)
    • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (to balance the coffee and aid in caramelization)
    • 2 tablespoons of kosher salt (essential for seasoning and moisture retention)
    • 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper (for a hint of spice)
    • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder (to infuse a savory aroma)
• Creamy Horseradish Chive Dipping Sauce
  • The perfect accompaniment to our prime rib, this vibrant sauce offers a delightful kick of horseradish balanced by the freshness of chives and the tang of champagne vinegar. It’s a must-have for elevating every bite of the roast.
  • The H-Sauce Recipe:
    • 2 cups of rich sour cream (the creamy base for our sauce)
    • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives (for fresh, oniony notes)
    • 1 teaspoon of champagne vinegar (to add a touch of acidity and brightness)
    • 1 teaspoon of salt (to enhance all the flavors)
    • A dash of hot sauce (for a subtle, warm finish)
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic, a timeless side dish that brings comfort to any holiday table.
• Broccoli Cheese Casserole
  • A classic, comforting casserole bursting with tender broccoli florets and a rich, cheesy sauce, providing a delicious and wholesome vegetable complement to our meal.

(A small confession: In the flurry of preparations, I completely forgot about the apple and onion confit crostini I had planned. A total blonde moment, and my apologies to anyone who was looking forward to that delightful appetizer!)

With our ingredients secured, Listy and I began the grand undertaking of preparing the feast. What followed was nothing short of a “comedy of errors,” a hilarious testament to the challenges and joys of cooking with a baby in the house. We started out with admirable efficiency, boiling potatoes and chopping vegetables with focused determination. However, our culinary rhythm was repeatedly interrupted by the adorable, yet demanding, cries of little Chance. Each time he fussed, Listy would gracefully step away to soothe him, leaving me to juggle both our duties. Once Chance was content, she’d return to the kitchen, only for the cycle to restart. I’d then take over baby duty, allowing her to resume cooking.

It was a constant tag-team effort, a dynamic dance between chef and caregiver. Our kitchen transformed into a makeshift wrestling ring, with Listy and I swapping roles with the agility of professional wrestlers. We often joked that we could totally dominate the WWF with our synchronized, albeit chaotic, teamwork. What might have taken us a mere twenty minutes under normal circumstances stretched into a full two-hour cooking marathon. This experience truly solidified the old adage: it takes a village when you have a baby, even if that village is just two determined women trying to get dinner on the table!

Vail’s Closing Day Shenanigans: A Brief Mountain Interlude

Amidst the flurry of dinner preparations, a brief but essential interlude unfolded. After a successful feeding, a fresh diaper change, and an emergency clothing swap (thanks to an unexpected “explosion” of potato puree all over me), we decided to venture out. Our destination: Vail Village, to soak in some of the legendary closing day shenanigans. Despite the demanding schedule, the allure of Vail’s end-of-season festivities was too strong to resist, even if only for a short while.

The weather, however, had other plans. As we arrived, a mix of rain and snow was falling quite heavily, adding a misty, dramatic atmosphere to the vibrant scene. We met up with Mr. B and Katie at the iconic Red Lion, a beloved Vail institution, for a quick, warming drink. The Red Lion, with its cozy interior and lively ambiance, offered a perfect refuge from the inclement weather. While the famous Chair 4 party was in full swing, the persistent rain and snow, coupled with the looming presence of our prime rib “roast beast” diligently cooking in the oven back home, meant we couldn’t stay long. Duty called, and the promise of a magnificent Easter dinner was a powerful incentive to return.

We savored our drinks, briefly chatting and enjoying the unique energy of Vail on its final ski day. After about an hour and a half, we bid farewell to the lively village, already anticipating the warmth and aromas of our home. Our quick trip was just enough to feel connected to the closing day spirit, a fleeting glimpse of mountain revelry before we plunged back into the serious business of dinner preparation. Heading back, the thought of the perfectly roasting prime rib spurred us onward, ready to put the finishing touches on our Easter feast.

The Grand Easter Feast: A Village Gathered

As the clock neared 6 PM, the last touches were being applied to our culinary masterpiece. Just on cue, everyone else rolled in, their appetites honed and ready for the much-anticipated Easter dinner. The house instantly filled with laughter, lively conversation, and the delightful aroma of our home-cooked meal. “Hello… appetizers!” I announced, welcoming our guests to a spread designed to kick off the evening’s festivities in style. The kitchen, though small, became the heart of the gathering, buzzing with energy and anticipation. I couldn’t help but jokingly wonder just how many people we could squeeze into that cozy space – a challenge for another day, perhaps!

Finally, the moment arrived to unveil our Easter feast. The table was laden with the prime rib, its coffee-rubbed crust glistening, surrounded by bowls of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the vibrant broccoli cheese casserole, and the tantalizing horseradish chive dipping sauce. While the accompanying photograph might appear a tad “unappealing” at first glance, I assure you, the taste was anything but. I scarfed down my plate in about a minute flat, a true testament to its deliciousness – and that, in my book, certainly counts as a successful meal!

Dinner was an undeniable success. The combination of incredible food, flowing conversation, and the warmth of family and friends created an atmosphere of pure joy and contentment. Everyone lingered at the table, savoring each dish and sharing stories from their day. A massive thank you goes out to Listy for all her tireless help and unwavering spirit throughout the entire day. Her partnership in the kitchen, despite the baby-induced chaos, made it all possible and truly special. Together, we rocked another “village dinner,” proving that with a little teamwork and a lot of love, any challenge can be turned into a cherished memory.

Reflecting on a Perfect Easter Sunday

As the final plates were cleared and the last embers of conversation faded, we reflected on what an extraordinary Easter Sunday it had been. From the spiritual start in Minturn to the exhilarating energy of Vail’s closing day, and finally, to the comforting embrace of a family dinner, every moment was imbued with significance. It was a day that perfectly encapsulated the vibrant, often unpredictable, rhythm of life in the Colorado mountains, especially when celebrated with those you hold dear. The blend of tradition, adventure, and culinary delight created a tapestry of memories that we will cherish for years to come. This wasn’t just an Easter; it was an experience, a reminder of the simple joys and profound connections that make life truly rich.

And that, my friends, is the tale of our unforgettable Easter Sunday. A day of faith, food, family, and a dash of mountain adventure, proving that even the most chaotic moments can be the most beautiful. Goodnight.