girl time!

For the most part I consider myself to be a low-maintenance woman. I don't need expensive shopping trips or spa treatments on a regular basis to keep me happy. In fact my wardrobe can attest to my lack of self-indulgent shopping; after years of use, I'm in desperate need of some new shoes and a few new bras because I go shopping so seldom. I have, on occasion, splurged on a manicure or pedicure, but that's been the exception not the rule. So after this past summer of collapsed tents while camping and sick babies while on vacation I decided that I needed a break--a true, girl-time, alone-time kind of break! And thankfully my hubby agreed.

So, I called a long-time friend of mine and took her up on her invitation to visit her whenever I wanted, called a hotel and made a reservation and then hit the road--just me, my Magellan and some snacks. I didn't get very far before the realization hit me and I got instantly giddy! I cranked up the tunes and called my husband to thank him for allowing me this opportunity and told him how giddy I was. The traveling itself was so beautiful--Fall leaves mingled with pine trees then slowly giving way to the rolling plains of farm country and again to the red rock boulders of the Uintah basin. I arrived at my friend, Julie's, house in the early afternoon and for the next two days we talked and shopped and sat in a hot tub and stayed up late talking some more until it was time for me to go home. Tired, but emotionally rejuvenated! What a difference a little girl time can make!

Fall colors near Heber on my way to Vernal.

Greeted by the Vernal dinosaur "Dinah"

(and yes, I thought "Oh, my girls would love to see this!")

My hotel room--ALL TO MYSELF! :)

I got to eat dinner with Julie's family: Jacob, Julie, John (her husband), James, Jared & Joseph...

...and watch her boys (Jared) climb the walls (with their mother's permission)...

...and show off their piano playing skills (Jacob).

In the morning Julie and I attended the Vernal LDS temple & visited for a long time.

Then we went boutique shopping on Main street--something she doesn't get to do very often with four boys.

Outside the dinosaur museum--one of many dino statues.

Julie, Jacob-11 (OMGosh), Jared-9, Joseph-4 & James-2.

Me & Julie outside the museum--16 years to the month of when we first met/became mission companions.