Girls Trip!

A few months back, our friend Sasha invited me and some other friends to spend a whole week in Destin, Florida. My first thought was that there was no way that I could leave my family for an entire week. But Eric, being the wonderful husband he is, convinced me that it was important for me to take time off to relax and enjoy life. So off to Florida I went with 6 other of the most awesome girls you could ever meet. My sister-in-law, Jolyn, who introduced us to Sasha several years back, was able to travel down from Kansas. Janelle came all the way from the Netherlands to partake in the festivities. And rounding out the crowd were Tiel, Sherry, and Stephanie.

We had an amazing time shopping, eating, swimming in the ocean and riding wave runners. I was able to "sleep in" everyday. For me, sleeping in means 7 a.m.! We were able to take great walks on the beach, drink fruity drinks, and explore picturesque towns like Rosemary, Seaside and Santa Rosa. Between all us moms, we left behind 15 kids and 7 husbands! While it was a wonderful experience, I am glad to be back with my boys.

Final hugs from Mommy for a WHOLE week! We tried Skyping while I was away, but Liam just looked at me like "Why is Mom trapped in the computer?"

Our ride to Destin

Family shot before the girls boarded the plane.

Liam was ready to board the plane once he got sight of the stairs.

"What do you mean I am not going with Mommy! Put me down man!"

Toasting the beginning of our girls week!

Jolyn walking to the plane, drink in hand.

Chocolates and champagne with Jolyn. Life is hard.

Our house at Rosemary Beach was called Turtle Cove. On the front porch was a great swing. And the back porch on all three stories had a porch which came in handy for having a cup of coffee in the morning or reading a good book.

Living room

Entryway

Seaside Village with Stephanie

Stephanie, Jolyn and Tiel (the cutest pregnant mom ever! In addition to Stephanie, my best friend in NM)

One of the amazing sunsets from the beach.

Our house was only a block from the boardwalk to the beach.

One day, after being chased away by seaweed at the beach, we opted for the pool instead. Drinking Sasha's yummy, grownup strawberry lemonade.

I earned a merit badge in building a base tan.

One night several of the girls went crabbing. Food always tastes so much better when you have worked for it!

Chocolate soup at a local tapas bar

Amazing grouper with lobster rosoto.
I always thought grouper sounded like an ugly fish so I wouldn't eat it.
But it was fantastic!

Hands down the biggest shrimp I have ever seen! They were wrapped in pancetta and severed with cranberry cous cous. Yum yum.

Cocktails on the beach as the sun sets. I had to pinch myself several times!

Our last night

The view from the plane. It was my first time on a private plane, and lets just say...I could get used to it. You only have to be at the airport 15 minutes before the plane departs and you can drive the car right up to the tarmac!

Destin from the air.

I needed at least one corny shot coming out of the plane. All that is missing is a ridiculously large hat and a small dog in my arms!

Final group shot. What an amazing experience! We have talked about trying to do a yearly girls trip since it was so much fun!