Epic Summer Vacation, Part 1

Two weeks ago, the kids and I embarked on a mini-Midwest tour. We picked my mom up on the way. And then we all stayed with my sister and her family in eastern Nebraska. I left the kids and my mom in eastern Nebraska and drove Highway 20 straight into central Iowa for my annual girls' spring break weekend.

Before the festivities began, I got to catch up with S. from Simply Bike and Bobbie from Run Bobbie Run. While I met these ladies through their respective blogs, I am so glad I was able to spend time with them in person. Both ladies are active, healthy moms with lovely personalities. It was also a treat to visit with S. about academia and motherhood and what it all means. There aren't many women in my life who can relate to that. I even got to take a short bike ride with S.

dinner with S. and Bobbie // an #everydayonabike ride with S.
Katie and Jayne in downtown Des Moines // only missing one spring breaker this year

Then off to Des Moines for our wild girls' weekend. Every year, I meet up with three old, dear friends from Iowa State. We used to attach it to spring break vacation because for the longest time, at least one of us was still in school. Between the four of us, we have four bachelor's degrees, two PhDs, one JD, three husbands and five kids! Two of us own our small businesses. One lives in Minneapolis, one lives in San Francisco, one lives in SINGAPORE and I live in Denver (obviously). The fact that we still make it a priority to go on these girls' weekends is impressive and important. This year, we did miss one friend who had just had a baby the week before the trip. It wasn't the same without her there.

When we were younger - before kids and jobs and middle age - we used to party like we were on spring break. Dance and drink and dance. Stay up late, sleep in late. Over the years, our activities have changed a bit. This year, we got massages and pedicures, went out for a nice dinner and then had a drink or two back at the hotel. We still stayed up late, but we mostly just talked. And enjoyed each other and our vastly different lives. We spent Saturday doing just about the same thing, and also included a one-year-old birthday party in the festivities.

I woke up early on Sunday to head back to Nebraska to pick up the kids and my mom. The kids were happy and exhausted from a long weekend of playing with their cousins, swimming nearly everyday and generally enjoying not having a schedule. We made it back to Denver with a full 24 hours to spare before our next big road trip.

SB 2013

Spring Break has come and gone again - just like it does every year. The girls and I celebrated our 8th reunion this year. Ah-mazing, considering that we live all over the world (Minneapolis, Denver, San Francisco and Singapore!), two of us have kids and all of us have busy, busy lives. But every year we make it work.

We spent a wonderful weekend in Minneapolis. Pretty Girl is a great host. Our activities have changed pretty dramatically over the course of eight years, however. From going out dancing and partying into the wee hours to staying in, watching a movie and crawling into bed by 11 p.m. Looking forward to next year already!

SB 2010 - Katie and I are preggers.

SB 2011 - Missing a lady for the first time in 7 years. Katie was in China.

SB 2011 - Lila took Katie's place this year.

SB 2012 - Katie, expecting her 2nd daughter in a month or so!

Spring Break 2011: Pump and Party!

The annual spring break trip is here and gone. It was our seventh year meeting as an almost group: Jayne, Smaifeld, Katie, and me. Year 1: San Diego. Year 2: San Diego. Year 3: San Francisco. Year 4: Denver. Year 5: Greater Des Moines Area. Year 6: Minneapolis. Year 7: Minneapolis. This was the first year one of the SB ladies couldn't make it. Katie lives in China now and has an 7-month-old little girl. She wanted to come, but the jet lag was too much for Elsa to handle. So, it was the three of us, plus Lila.

We had such a wonderful time. Lila was amazing. And, as always, I'm already looking forward to next year. Three short days isn't long enough. I love those ladies. They brighten my life!

I flew to Minneapolis with few expectations of a great weekend. I was traveling with a 4.5-month-old baby. It could have been incredibly challenging. But, it was incredibly easy and amazing. Lila was a perfect baby in every way shape and form. She didn't cry once on the plane and she charmed everyone at the airport.

Jayne had planned a surprise party for a friend before we decided to schedule SB, so Smaifeld and I tagged along. She also lined up a babysitter so I could enjoy myself. With that knowledge, I packed my pump and planned some pumping and dumping so I could enjoy myself all night. With my pump safely secured in my purse, we set out for the night.

Lo and behold when I attempt to pump (in the bar bathroom, no less), I realized that I forgot a really important part of the pump in Denver. Crap. After three beers, that was not good news. When I broke the news to my friends, someone checked on their phone and discovered that there was a Target about five blocks away (oh, Minneapolis, bless you and your throngs of Target stores). So, I set out for a replacement. One $35 manual breast pump later, I was ready for bizness. The night took a serious turn for the better and I danced until 11:30. Oh yes, we sure are a wild bunch! Pump and PAR-TAY!

Spring Break: Good for the Soul

For the past six years, three college friends and I gather for a weekend to recharge, reconnect, and bask in the glow of good friendship. One of my friends calls us her "strong ladies." And I would have to agree. We met at Iowa State while I was there for a year. They are amazing, smart women. Jayne graduated last year with her JD from the University of Nebraska. Smaifeld has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Katie is a talented dietician - and so much more. Jayne lives in Minneapolis, Smaifeld lives in San Francisco, and Katie lives in, wait for it, Bejing. This year we met in Minneapolis. It was a fantastic weekend of food and conversation. It's good for my soul. And now I'm counting down for next year's spring break, wherever that may be!

First Stop: Husker-ville

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, I am on SPRING BREAK! It's my last "official" spring break. When I graduate next year, I won't have an excuse to party for a week at the beginning of spring. OK, OK, I don't necessarily party for a week. But, for the past five years, three friends and I meet up for a weekend of girl time. I look forward to this weekend for nearly an entire year.

This year, we're meeting up in Ames, Iowa (in past years, we've met up in more "glamorous" locations like San Diego and San Francisco). We have a schedule based on our favorite restaurants from college. La Fuente tonight. Cafe Beaudelaire later tonight. Stomping Grounds tomorrow morning.

I feel like I need a break more this year than any other year. Benny is staying with my mom and I'm footloose and fancy free until Sunday! Last night I stayed in Lincoln with my Pretty Girl friend. This afternoon we're off to Ames!