Girl's Trip 2021

Posted by Chandra September 04, 2021

Girl's Trip 2021

I did NOT want to go on this girl's trip. I was not too excited about it and had very low expectations. But it ended up being the BEST trip! We had so much fun, zero drama, and I laughed so hard I cried multiple times.

We flew out Wednesday afternoon (one of the reasons I was not happy about this trip was the fact that they scheduled it from a Wednesday to a Saturday over Labor Day weekend... not utilizing Sunday or Monday. As it turns out, I was glad for the down time on Sunday and Monday before hitting the ground running after Labor Day). The flight was short and easy and we all took a big sigh of relief when the plane took off. Leaving kids, husbands, and homes is NOT easy for us full time Mommas! We walked around downtown Salt Lake, checked out the temple under massive construction, grabbed a bite to eat (including Crumbl Cookies), and did a little shopping before heading to Haley's Aunt and Uncle's house.

Haley's family was so sweet and generous to accommodate us. Her Aunt and Uncle live in Heber on a giant estate. We each had our own rooms and there was no lack in comfort and amenities! We stayed up late talking and all slept well. I woke up early the next morning and enjoyed about 2 hours of quiet meditation before the day got started. It was glorious!!! We shared a delicious breakfast at Kneaders before renting E bikes at the mouth of the canyon and riding them up to Bridal Veil Falls. So fun! We then took the lift in Sundance and hiked to Stewart Falls and back down to the lodge. We had the mountain to ourselves! The lift ride was so relaxing and the hike was just the right intensity for talking and enjoying the scenery. We had some good "girl talk" along that trail!

We had an early dinner at 7 Brothers in Riverwoods and did some more shopping. We drove through Provo and everyone reminisced about their BYU days. We indulged in some Creamery ice cream and walked around the Provo City Center Temple at sunset. When we got back to Haley's Aunt and Uncle's house (Butch and Ginger), they turned on the hot tub and it felt sooooo good getting in the warm water and looking up at the stars. Our conversation was nonstop (so much so that I had a bruised vocal chord when I got home) but that night the subject matter turned dark. It was starting to bother me so I said a silent prayer that we could talk about something more appropriate and as soon as I said "amen", the girl's said, "Well, enough about that! Let's talk about something else!" I sent up a prayer of gratitude. I was once again reminded of how faithful and valiant these women in Zion are. They were close enough to the Spirit to hear the whisperings and shut the negative/scary talking down and move on to happier subjects. I love these women!

The next day we headed out bright and early to Swiss Days! It was a madhouse and although it was fun and there was so much to shop, it was hot and crowded and not my cup of tea. At one point we got separated and I was sooooo jealous when I found out Haley and April met Elder Uchdorf! The girls let me take the van up to Ogden to meet my new little nephew, Hardy Park! Kass and Bridger are parents and he is the CUTEST little guy! He's tiny but Kass let me wrap him up and I was in baby heaven. Kim prepared us a little lunch and it was definitely the highlight to hold that baby and spend some time with this family that I love and cherish so much. I'm so happy the way it all worked out- I was there in Utah on a girls' trip just a week after Hardy was born!

That evening we had a super yummy, beautiful dinner in Heber at Back 40. We talked and talked and enjoyed every single second of being together.

The next morning we woke up, made breakfast together, and set off on an epic RZR ride through the Uintas! Haley's family is so awesome! I could totally imagine having a place in Idaho with toys like these, taking the kids on big rides through the mountains to explore and have adventures. It was so fun and I even went potty behind a tree! Butch took us for another ride when we got back- in his Model A! Wow! So cool! It totally took me back in time and was such a trip! We went shopping and got lunch in Park City before packing up and heading home.

It was a glorious trip filled with lots of good times, good food, and lots of laughter. It was just what we all needed! I'm so thankful for Tanner for happily holding down the fort and keeping the kids all happy while I was gone. Team work makes the dream work!