operation roommate reunion

I got to take a road trip a few weeks ago, sans-husband and sans-kids. It was weird. I felt so free and light and my arms literally felt empty. It was strange not having to lug a huge diaper bag around, making sure sippy cups were always full and plenty of snacks were in tow. I loved it but at the same time I missed those boys so much! I know they would have had fun, but I am glad that I got to do something just me. I got to be selfish and free and didn't have to worry about anything. It was so refreshing and I feel like I came home a better mom and wife...at least for a little while. My mom kept the little people for me and they probably hardly noticed my absence.

I loved the long drive up to Idaho. I love talking and catching up with my favorite girls. I loved the yummy food we ate, the lazy mornings, the shopping, the talking, the laughing. We ventured up to the campus and I can't believe how much it's changed. I felt nostalgic a little bit. We laughed so hard, like we always do. I love that we are all so different but we meld together perfectly. We understand each other and always pick up right where we left off. It was so good, just like it always is.

Look at my halo! It's glowing. hahaha. I wish.

Cute little Ashley. What a character she is. I was so glad that she met up with us the night we were in Utah. It was so good to catch up with her; I love her so much.

I just love Andrea's shirt so much. It makes me laugh everytime I see it. She has two boys who would marry her tomorrow. Such is the life...

Seriously, what would I ever do if I didn't have such wonderful friends? I feel so blessed, truly. We got talking about someone Andrea knows who really has a lot of challenges and struggles. I said something about how I can't believe some people have to go through so much in life that it just seems unfair. Amber said, "Jess, that is you." I may have my fair share of struggles, but so does every other person on earth. I feel like I really do have it so good. I have a family that I couldn't be closer to, friends that love and support me, the gospel, etc. and all of those wonderful things completely trump the hard stuff.

I love the renewal that this little trip was and I am already looking forward to the next one.