Girls Weekend Reunion

This weekend I went to a reunion with girls from my Freshman year of college. It was a blast! This is the first time I have ever done anything like this, and gone on a trip with no kids or husband. It was sooo much fun! I did miss my family, but it was so nice to just be me. And not have to worry about all my other responsibilities.

We all met during Y groups after moving into the seventh floor in T-Hall of Deseret Towers on BYU campus. It was one of the best years of my life. Twelve of us have stayed in contact over the years. Once or twice a year whomever is close will get together for a girls night or for lunch.

(I stole these stats from Lisa's Blog. I hope you don't mind Lisa . . .)

Some stats about the 12 of us:
We all graduated with a bachelors degree
1 is in the process of getting her doctorate
1 has her masters (I think)
1 is almost done with her masters program
1 served a full time mission for the LDS church
5 of us have kids (2 each)
2 are pregnant with their first, both due on the same day, both having boys
1 is starting the adoption process
10 of us are married (all in the temple), ranging from 6+ years to less than a year
1 has already retired from a successful career
1 is starting her own business
5 live in Utah
2 in California
1 in Texas
1 in Idaho
1 in Maryland
1 in Washington
1 in Arizona

We all met up in Arizona where one of the girls lives. I flew out on Thursday evening and happened to be on the same flight as Reina. It was so nice to have a "flying buddy". I was a little anxious about seeing everyone and hoping it wouldn't be too awkward since it had been so long since we'd all seen each other. But seriously there was nothing to worry about. It was like we hadn't been apart. We just continued on as if no time had passed. It was so fun to see everyone and catch up.

We stayed at a Marriott Resort. I had never stayed at one before. It was soo nice! After settling in we all headed to the hot tub.

Top row: Karly, Meredeth, Natalie, Reina
Bottom row: Me, Shauna, Lisa, Emily, Jennie, Rachel
Maren is taking the picture

Then the next day we spent a lot of the day at the pool. I got a bit sun burned. Doesn't that always happen on the first day?!

I LOVE eating at the poolside. We had a light lunch at the pool and the other half went to lunch off the resort.

Then we all got ready and went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We met up with 2 more girls from Freshman year too. Brooke (my roommate) and Gladriel (Maren's roommate). It was so fun to see them too.

Left to Right: Brook, Me, Maren, and Gladriel

Brooke and Me

The next morning we decided to wake up very early, 6a, and go hike Camelback Mountain. It's just over a mile up, but I was surprised at how rigorous it was. There were a couple places where it is so steep that there are railings to help you up.

And other parts where the rocks were easier to climb by just using your hands. I would say if this was anymore rigorous it would be rock climbing! There were some crazy people that would hike it 3 times in a row, 6 days a week! And others that went as fast as they could, jumping around like a mountain goat! We saw a couple different guys on the way up and on the way down when we saw them they were going up again!

We all made it. It was challenging for me. But it felt good to conquer it :)

There were GREAT views-360 degrees!
I think this is looking out to the Phoenix area.


Then after the hike we went to spend the rest of the time before check out at the pool.

This is all of us, minus Giselle who couldn't make it. We missed you Giselle!

Pinacoladas by the pool

After check out 3 girls headed home. And the rest of us went to Meredeth's house for another day. We went and got Golden Spoon frozen yogurt and then some of us got pedicures, we got take out from Rumbi and ate and chatted by the pool, until it got dark and then spent and hour trying to decided what chic-flick to watch. We were all so tired and couldn't make decisions, it was pretty funny! :) Then Sunday morning I flew home.

Did you know they have R.O.U.S.'s in Arizona? Otherwise knows as Javelina's...not pigs...


It was a super fun trip and I can't wait til the next one! Thanks girls!!

And thank you Jon for making this all possible. Thank you for taking on the stay-at-home parent role.

Jon also went to the nursery and bought flowers and completed the planter in the backyard, it looks great! He took the boys to the mall where Zac got to meet McGruff the Crime Dog. Zac got his picture taken and fingerprints done. Then Jon picked up his brothers, Dave and Jason for a guys night (with the kids). They listened to music, watched the NBA playoffs and ate junk food! I'm glad Jon got to have a little bit of fun between running all over town and dragging the kiddies along ;)