This past week we had another fun adventure. Our group of friends we call, Da Guys (all originated from Tom’s high school buddies) decided to do a little get-away.
First, the girls headed out on Wednesday night. We met up in Lehi to begin our adventure and grab some dinner.
Angelyn, me, Nisha, Rebekah & Cheri.
We stayed at Cheri’s parent’s vacation home in St. George. When we got in late that night, we unloaded, visited for a bit and went to bed.
The next day we woke up and headed over to Zion’s National Park. Because we slept in (some of us), had a big breakfast and had to drive there, it was close to 1pm by the time we got to the park. So we decided to eat our picnic lunch then.
We had to take a bus into the park. Some of us like getting our picture taken better than others, as I found out quickly on this trip. ;)
We decided to hike the trail to the Emerald Pools. I’m not much of a hiker, but I really enjoyed this one. It was so beautiful!
We made it to the top pool where it was nice and cool and shady (the sun was quite hot at times during the hike).
I was happy to get some fun pictures while we were there.
We hung out at the pools for a while before we hiked back down.
Afterwards, we stopped off at Swig and got some treats for the ride home.
We got back to the house, cleaned up and made this incredible dinner (Rebekah was our main chef).
That night we just hung out, did puzzles and watched a movie (some people didn’t want their picture taken).
Friday I actually got up early to go exercise (my two least favorite things). However, it was a free Zumba class since Nisha had a membership at Gold’s Gym, and I actually like Zumba, so I went with her and Ang.
After our workout, we went home and cleaned up. Rebekah did my hair for me.
Then we went to the temple, did some initiatory work, then went up to the Celestial room to sit and meditate.
A neat experience I had was walking up the stairs to go to the Celestial Room alone. As I got to the top of the stairs there was a huge mirror so you could see yourself as you walked up. As I was alone and saw myself all in white standing in front of this mirror, I got so emotional. I felt my mom’s presence very strong and the feeling brought me to tears. Angelyn had also lost her mom just this past spring, and we both had a good cry. It was a very special experience.
After the temple, we got some lunch. Then the other four went and got mani/pedi’s, but I chose not to since I have an appointment soon to do that at home.
Instead, I went shopping, trying to find some shorts. I hit four different stores and didn’t find any that worked. So I gave up an went back to pick up the others.
That evening we went and got massages. I thought either the hike or Zumba would make my muscles sore. Oh no, it was the massage! It was so nice, but man I hurt afterwards!
We then went to Mongolian BBQ for dinner. I’d never eaten there, but I think it’s one of my new favorite places.
Then we wandered through some of the outlet stores and I was so happy to find some new shorts and pants!
By the time we got back to the house, the husbands were there! So began our couples trip…
While the guys went to buy some snacks, us girls took a ride on the golf cart around the closed golf course. We were dodging sprinklers, some better than others, going up and down hills, chasing rabbits, etc. I don’t think I’ve every laughed that hard! It was so fun!
The girls started another puzzle, and I just had to finish it! I worked on it while the other’s watched a movie.
The next morning everyone, but Cheri and I went golfing (I chose to sleep in). So Tom and Jeremy were golf partners.
When they got back, the girls helped make a big breakfast for everyone.
Then we headed off to Sand Hollow Reservoir to go boating.
This is the only picture I have of all five couples together.
Tom decided to try the wake surf board, and soon it became the trend. Of course he does it like a pro.
We took some time to swim in the lake. Now, I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to swimming in water that has living creatures and an unknown bottom. But I decided to face my fear and jump in before everyone had to talk me into it or throw me in. I did it! And it wasn’t too bad (it helped that the water temperature that afternoon was 81*). We swam for quite a while. And I think everyone was either thrown in or threw someone in at least once.
I decided since I’d gotten over the fear of the water I might as well try the wake surfing. It was not my thing, but I was able to finally get myself up and stay there for about five seconds.
Others surfed as well, then we decided to get some food. So some of us girls went to pick up our pre-ordered sandwiches.
Rebekah and I were fighting like sisters, so Cheri made us hold hands and say at least five nice things about each other.
We had a good lunch on the boat.
Tom and all his buddies.
Tom was really getting good at the surf board and even got to the point where he could let go of the rope and just ride the wake for a bit.
We were out until dark, and it was a beautiful night.
We stopped off at Swig on the way home.
We were all hungry so we picked up some pizzas to eat as our late dinner. We just hung out, cleaned up and went to bed.
Sunday we slept in, got up and headed back to the lake again.
I could not believe how sore I was from trying to surf the day before. I could hardly move my arms!
The wind was pretty strong that day and so it was a bit cool and the water was very choppy. It was not a good boating day, so we didn’t last long. I tried my best to stay dry and warm.
Since that didn’t work out, we decided to go get some food instead. Steve and Nisha had left the night before and Angelyn had pulled a muscle and left too (her dad was also in St. George watching her kids so he was able to get her home). So that left seven of us.
Soon it was time to say our good bye’s. The guys were getting ready to start their Mancation and us girls were heading home. Tom’s other friend, Dustin was to meet up with them (we missed his wife, Cindy on our girl’s trip) and the five of them were planning on more boating, golfing and some mountain biking, movies, barbecuing and doing whatever else guys do.
Since there were only three of us left in Cheri’s van I took advantage of having the whole back bench to myself.
It was so fun to get away and be with our long-time friends…
me and Tom
Steve and Nisha
Josh and Rebekah
Angelyn and Dee
Jeremy and Cheri.
But wait!.. what about the kids? They had fun too. Tom stayed home with them Thursday and Friday. Then his brother, Eric and wife, Carlee watched them over the weekend. They did an amazing job with the kids! I’m so glad they took such good care of them and everyone was happy and safe. Now I have them on my own until tomorrow.
1 comment:
Very cute!!!
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