Casa Bonita!

So when Bob and I met way back in September of 2002 one of the first group outings that we ever went on was dinner at the Famous Casa Bonita!  To give you a two word depiction of what this place is Bob has aptly labeled it "Mexican Disneyland."  Casa Bonita is one of the largest indoor restaurants in the world and it is all underground.  From the outside it looks like a hole in the wall Mexican joint, but enter the doors and your world slowly opens up to seemingly acres of seats, tunnels, catacombs and water!  Yes there is even a 30 foot waterfall in the center of the restaurant.  So back to college days.....Bob and I had just really met each other and we are out at this crazy restaurant, eating questionable food and watching the cliff divers (YES, you heard me right, there are actual diving shows  in the building) when Bob pipes up and tells me that he was a diver in college.  We watched the divers, me showing utmost interest in this sport I knew nothing about, and Bob explaining all of the different dives etc.  He found a manager that night, auditioned the next day and was officially hired as one of Casa Bonita's "professional divers."  Bob entertained at this great place for 2 years.  You really could say that I fell in love with him at this restaurant.  I mean seriously, a guy in a swimsuit, rock climbing, juggling fire and performing 1 and 1/2 somersaults into a tiny pool.  Yeah, I won't lie, it was a great source of pride to be the one going,  "That's my boyfriend...."  We girls....

Well, upon moving back to Colorado, Bob and I knew, inevitably that we would have to go back to Casa Bonita to reminisce.  It is a FANTASTIC place for kids because the service is fast and there is so much to do and so much entertainment to be had.  It really is wonderful.  We asked Heather and Derek if they wanted to join us and complete with Kennleigh, Mykenna and her twin niece and nephew, Landon and Sophia, we had a great Bonita crew.   Lily is all about water and Bob and I have had full glasses of water dumped on us numerous times lately so she LOVED the big waterfall at the front of the restaurant.  While we waited for our other party members to arrive we played by the waterfall and took advantage of the special moments together.  Gosh I just love this little girl!

If you want to know how the restaurant part of this place works you have to imagine a cattle shoot where they corral you all into a line, feed you and then let you into the dining area.  It's fast, efficient and man can that place pump out tacos, enchiladas, beans, rice and sopapillas.  It is IMPRESSIVE.  Lily simply could not hold enough of Kenny and Kenna's hands.  We adults were all a little worried that the corral/line part of the adventure was going to get out of hand quickly, but it didn't.  All of the kids stood in a circle holding hands and talking to one another.  Landon was a ham and wanted me to photograph him all night.  He would even pose for me.  What a cutie.  Once we got our food they made a kiddo train up the ramp to the dining area while all of us adults carted the food, drinks, napkins, toys, straws and paraphernalia. Seriously, for beings so small, it took 4 of us to get everything organized and snake our way through the craziness that is a Saturday night at Casa Bonita.  

We made it to our table and enjoyed our food.  Lily was all too happy to sit next to Landon and mooch off of his fries.  With so much to see and do, eating was somewhat low on the toddler priority list, but once she got seated next to Landon, she was happy as could be.  They must have sat together for about 15 minutes, AWWWWW first little date.....

Once dinner was eaten (well lets call it shoveled), we headed out to explore the shows, divers and endless hiding places.  Bob remembers all of the shows down to what time they happen and could frankly almost quote what was going to happen next.  We watched the Gorilla show and then stood by the pool to give a high five to the diver.  Lily was a little overwhelmed with all of the kids and quite unsure of whether or not the diver was safe to high five, but following the example of all her little cousins, warmed up to the idea in no time.  She even high-fived the Bad Black Bart when he "fell" off the waterfall after running from the sheriff (yes, this all happens in a restaurant).  

Lily spent much of the night clinging to her Daddy or to me.  The entire experience was a bit overwhelming to her and she could only be down in the chaos so long before she was calling "Daddy Uppies, Mommy Uppies."  It was precious.  Lily is not much of a cuddler so when she does it is extra special.  I loved her little hands wrapped confidently around her Daddy's neck.  Such a sweet picture.  Such a sweet moment.  

It was such a great night and Bob and I smiled at each other remembering those long ago times.  This is where we fell in love.  Not the only place, but it definitely has a wonderful place in our relationship.  What a great way to spend time with Derek, Heather and all of the cousins.  Casa Bonita may be cheesy (literally), but it is one of the best places to go in Denver. Adios Amigo!