Weekend with my Girlies

Well, it's nearly mid-June and this is a post about something that happened a few weeks ago. It really bugs me to post about stuff when so much time has gone by. I guess I feel like there's already too much life that has happened and more stuff that I need to post about, but I don't like to post out of order. Weird, I know. But with our move and all, it's just the way it is this time.

Anyway, this post is about a rare trip I got to take, all ALONE to Seattle. The reason for the trip? Roommate Reunion#2 (Reunion #1 took place in Provo, October 2007). I met these wonderful, hilarious, smart, fun girls 10 years ago at BYU. There are seven of us, including myself: Anna, Gina, Megan, Stephanie, Heidi, and Christine. They are still my closest friends and we all keep in almost daily contact via email.

One of my favorite things about these girls is how much fun they are. That hasn't changed even though so much time has past, even though we're wives and mothers now. It was still the same: we ate a ton, we stayed up extremely late, and laughed our guts out for three days straight. It was so rejuvenating and therapeutic to spend time with these great girls. I love them tremendously!

The majority of us arrived on a Thursday night. Megan was a gracious hostess who planned an awesome itinerary. We had two whole days' worth to play and play we did. Here we are in downtown heading out on Friday.

Always laughing. Half the time, it's not just laughing. It's laughing so hard that you almost pee your pants. We really are a very funny bunch.

I couldn't pass this by without taking a picture. I don't even know what in the heck this place is, but I thought it was hilarious.

Our first stop was the famous Pike Street Market located downtown. There were a gazillion bakeries and little vendors selling everything under the sun: from spices to fresh flowers to clothing to produce to jewelry. We stoppped quite a bit to buy goodies and sample things. I really enjoyed all the sights and sounds and smells of it all. Pike Street Market is a definite must when visiting Seattle.

This famous doughnut shop was pretty much the first thing we saw and, of course, we couldn't resist.

These were seriously the best doughnuts I've ever had. Even topping my first Krispy Kreme experience, something which I never thought would happen. I very easily could've eaten a dozen of these by myself.

Here's the famous golden pig. Most people get on the pig and snap a photo. I opted to get one of just the pig.

This is the famous fish market where they literally throw fish to people. The workers wrap up a person's order and toss it to him.

I took this one for my kids. They loved it.

This was one of the many shops selling fresh produce. Between the layout and the different colors, they looked so cool to me.

This shop had tons of hand-painted tile clocks for sale. They were all so varied and vibrant.

This one little shop had all these fresh chile peppers hanging. They were so pretty to me.

We stopped off for lunch at the Crab Pot located right on the water. Can I just say YUMMY? I love restaurant food. My theory is that everything tastes better when I don't have to cook it. We ate superbly excellent food the entire trip, like so fantastic that I ate myself sick at all three restaurants.

After lunch we took this ferry over to Bainbridge Island to do a little perusing of fun little botiques. The weather was beautiful on the way over and it was great to be out on the water. It was one of my favorite things that day.

Some of the girls enjoying the ride.

I love experiencing downtowns for the first time, but especially those of big cities. Seattle has such a cool downtown and a great skyline. I took this from the ferry.

Even though I served the majority of my mission in Washington, I'd never been to Seattle. I was in the eastern, much dryer part of the state. The lushness and greenness of this area was completely jaw-dropping to me. I don't think anywhere I've been compares to it. I wished I could've taken a million photos of how incredible the scenery is all over the city. This was taken from the ferry. I loved the variety of all the beach houses tucked amongst the evergreen trees. Truly spectacular. I just wish I owned a better lense so I could've captured it more fully.

That night we had our gift exchange. We all got some great stuff.

On Saturday morning we went to the temple. I loved the opportunity to be in that special place with such special friends. I am grateful that we are all worthy to go and share that experience.

After the temple and a beyond-delicious lunch out, we went and got pedicures. So relaxing. Loved it.

The finished product. At the surprise to no one, Anna got the green. Vintage Anna.

Posing in our cute shirts Gina designed for us. Fun!



It was an absolutely terrific weekend. I can't wait for Reunion #3 in 2013!!