Sister's Weekend

Talk about your fun time!! Two weeks ago, 8 sisters (and sis in law---which are all the same in our family) got together. We also had sweet baby Savannah (Kyle and Annie's little sweetheart) who had plenty of Aunts cooing and cuddling her. So 9 fun girls total. (We missed our cute Nicole---hugs to you)

Thursday night flights came in from Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oklahoma and Southern California arriving between 9 p.m. to delayed 12:30 a.m. With 3 girls already in place in the hosting cities we were ready to party. The first night we crashed in Joyce's Basement, giggling and laughing in the joy of freedom from many cares and the delight of great company. Who knows what time we finally drifted off to sleep on a number of mattresses, couches, cushions and pillows.

Friday morning was at a luxurious and leisurely pace! We awoke and ate a sumptuous birthday breakfast of a yummy egg concoction as well as strawberries outside in the perfect weather celebrating Ms. Kayleen in all her wonderfulness!

After chatting and giggling, we got ourselves mostly together and headed out to get facials. We learned fascinating things such as the true definition of decolletage (ask your mom), how much pressure is too much pressure and when it is certainly not enough. (just ask Katie) We also learned that the 4 original sisters know how to chat all the way through a facial, and that the 4 sis in laws know how to stay quiet and enjoy those things that should be relaxing! Such as a pumpkin/cinnamon mask! Come on people! Who chats through the goodness of Thanksgiving soaking into your face? (Hee hee---we do!!)

After the pampering, we went to In n Out---which was "requested" okay let's be honest people DEMANDED by certain out of towners. Nonetheless it was yummy.

Finally we headed in the afternoon to Kim's house to relax and chat more. Dan and the kids had evacuated the premises so we could play without little darlings! We had a yummy pulled pork burrito dinner and then sat in the toasty jacuzzi. We stayed up late, ate chocolate fondue and strawberries, bananas, and etc! (Happy Birthday Kayleen! Although really---chocolate & girls---it's a must!!)

We chatted about great mom ideas and funny experiences and laughed until the early morning hours. Would you believe that Saturday morning 5 of us went for a run. 3 of us only went a couple miles, but Wendy and Kayleen who are prepping for a marathon and a 1/2 marathon went about 7! So sleep or not sleep- and junk food or not---we went a running! =0)

Don't forget yummy wheat waffles with strawberries and whip cream for a post run recovery meal! (Umm slightly tortorous to mention all the yummy food---sheesh!)

A bit later we went to the park to enjoy a few rides on the coaster cars with the 14 nieces and nephews in town. This is a personal favorite. I just need an excuse to play. Riding the coaster cars is like sledding, except without frostbite! I love it. I was trying to convert my sisters. I think they liked it! With the triplets at age 3 there were enough little people wanting to ride down the hill to keep us hopping and loving it! I don't know who won the race. Kayleen and Kristy had a fair shake on the coaster cars, but by the end I think that Cooper, Kate and Crandall had the most turns, followed by K.J., McKendra and Jordan coming in a close second.

Then over the next few hours, there was shopping (Kandee wanted a whole new wardrobe to swaddle her new svelte frame), lots of people bought new swimsuits, lots of sisters bought new artwork and had it signed by Greg Olson for Easter gifts. Really fun! We also ate a yummy chicken salad lunch!

Then we set off for a bit of mischief. Really we had a plan to go see a new Jane Austen movie, but truly arrived too late,(Really people---there are 4 bathrooms in this house =0)!) so we had a bit of a hasty jog across a Scottsdale Mall in pursuit of the movie. Only to end up wandering around the high brow mall rather aimlessly for a bit. Although Joyce did buy a Estee Lauder lip dealey, so she could get the bonus fun stuff AND Kayleen, Katie and Wendy got lost in a high falootin shop buying under tanks or whatnot. Wow.

By the way, Katie does have a cute yellow shirt that I feel deserves mention here. (Wink wink!)

Okay, so on to the Saturday night festivities--we went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, where we laughed and ate until satiated! Then we went to Jesters, a really fun improv club in town that put on a delightfully clean and uproarious show! Such fun!

So then we talked and dare I say--ate more chocolate until late! All but one of us, who had her own chips and ranch dip!! (yes-it was Katie Lou Who)

Cute Annie and Savvy had to leave first thing in the morning and Joyce happily took them, returning to her family so her hubby could get to his Bishopric duties.

The rest of us (now down to 6 peeps) amazingly got ready for 8 a.m. church (yes you did read that right) All of my sisters caused quite a stir in Sunday School and Relief Society---all that beauty, class and wonderful comments of course! Stunning and noteworthy!

After church, we packed up (choir was going on in our house at the same time), had a little lunch and began the trips to the airport. Sigh. It really goes so fast doesn't it?

Just today in church a lady leaned over during relief society and asked me "Now HOW MANY sisters do you have?" To which I explained that we are a combo of sisters and in laws but enjoy each other just the same and she looked at me and said "You are Lucky!" I smiled knowing that was sure true!

Thanks for the fun my darling sisters! Thanks for the arrangements that you made to get here and for the happy laughter. Thanks for everyone's generosity and fun attitudes! Thanks for the little jewelry and bow gifts for Tali's birthday which she still talks about everyday. =0) Here's looking forward to a fun new plan for 2013!! Love you all!