Sister's Retreat

It had been over four years since we sisters had been together last. We'd talked about a Sisters retreat before but until Lizzie told us that she'd signed up for a marathon in Azusa California and that the rest of us were welcome to join her we hadn't done anything to make it happen. Abby and Sarah were already there and Jess thought she could easily make it, so of course I was going to do whatever it took to get myself there too. No sense in putting myself through some serious FOMO unnecessarily. With the plans made we were super excited to get together!

Jon was able to take some time off so that he and Lydia and Sophie could do some really fun things while Mia and I were away. And they sure made some fun memories without us! Pie at The Dodo, hiking Adam's Canyon, pizza eaten at our favorite pizza place, and so much more! The best part was finding out about their awesome adventures on Instagram. So fun when Mom isn't around!

Mia and I got to the airport plenty early on November 10th. I hadn't flown since November of 2011 when Lydia was just an infant and I was a little nervous to fly without Jon. So it was great that we had lots of time and Mia was the perfect buddy to have with me. She has this fascination with birds and ducks lately and it didn't take her long to find the bird flying around inside SLC Airport. We were both pretty mesmerized and it helped the time pass by until we boarded the plane. Mia slept the majority of the flight, and only woke up the final ten minutes to pull earwax out of her ears the best she could. I imagine she was trying to get her ears to pop and that seemed like the best way to go about it. She was absolutely a champion flyer. 

Jess was there to meet us and it was so good to see her and be met by a familiar face after laning safely!  And not only was Sarah waiting with her white chariot to drive us home; she'd made a tasty lunch for everyone as well. We gabbed all the way back to Sarah's and chilled at her beautiful place (I have got to get her to help me decorate!) until dinner time when we headed out for Pupusas at the farmers market. It was so fun to wander around and check out a Farmer's Market in California. Lots of tasty goodness. The different flavored cooking oils was especially interesting.

And then Lizzie and Abby got in on Friday and things were more of a blur the rest of the trip. We lunched at Fiore where Sarah knew the owner. I'm pretty sure I cracked after an incredibly ladylike burp escaped me, but that's not important. Although I should note that their Chicken and BLT were outstanding. We spent the afternoon at the Broad and I'm sure were quite the spectacle with the number of ladies and babies we were toting around. Saw some very interesting art work and just enjoyed being together. 

Friday night we ate at Los California food truck. BBQ pork tacos and chicken. Mia feeding me radish slices in quick succession was incredibly entertaining.

And then it was time to get home and get Lizzie and Abby rested for their big race. Felix's night was not fantastic. He missed Lizzie right away and though I wasn't exactly sure what to do for him I was grateful that Mia decided to sleep through the night (something she's never been prone to do). Jess and Sarah and I did our best to sooth him and I got a little more sleep before we were up and heading to meet Lizzie, who was flying down the mountain, at the finish line. She PRed BIG with a time of 3:08. Who is she?! It was great to see her squish Felix's adorable little cheeks. And he was overjoyed to be back with his mama. I'm not sure what my deal was but I was essentially an emotional wreck the entire time we were at the marathon. Lizzie says everyone cries at marathons, but I was a bit ridiculous. And Abby totally danced across the finish line as only Abby can. She never stopped running once and I am totally impressed. One day. One day I'll run a marathon too. Also, their BLISTERS. Sheesh! 

We headed to Hook Burger for lunch. Tasty shakes, awesome sweet potato fries and a delectable burger. We got to see Ab's place. Love the decorations and pictures of everyone she has hanging up in her room. Then dinner at Cafe Rio with Hilary and Andrew. So good to catch up with them and realize that no matter how much time passes, they are the cousins and we will always be able to pick up right where we left off and talk about anything. This was where I learned that Jon and I need to watch Stranger Things because I was the only one there who knew nothing about it. Having watched it at this point, it's definitely worth it. And really hard to stop after just one episode. 

Milo showed Mia such a good time. I think she loves him. Every time I mention Milo she lights up. How fun for them to be birthday buddies. He's such a sweet gentle giant. They jumped together on the bed and Paul would trade off between Milo and Mia, tossing them on the bed. A game that could have gone on forever. They were fun to watch during sacrament meeting at church that last day. They were totally in cahoots about something. And Sarah's made us garlic lemon Greek pitas right before we left. So yummy!! Also, her bread. Mmmmmmmmm.... I got to bring some home and tried to make the delicious French toast she made for us, but fell short. It was good, but not quite as tasty as the mouth watering breakfast she cooked up for us.

And through all of it there was definitely not enough bonding time with the five of us. Sure, we got to chat quite a bit. And annoy each other (Jair Bear Banana Abby. Jair Bear Banana). And crowd together around the bathroom mirrors as we got ready for church. But it still wasn't enough time. It never is. I'm so grateful we did it. And we'll have to do it again sometime. I'm so lucky to have these four ladies as sisters and best friends.

I should mention that Mia and I almost missed our return flight. Thank goodness for Aunt Jess!! We were at the wrong side of Long Beach Airport. Who knew there were two sides??! And then we had a hang up with the Desitin. I had two half empty tubes in my diaper bag but they were on top of each other just wrong so that it looked like more than what it actually was. It didn't set us back too much and once Jess sent us in the right direction (we were aware that our flight was delayed but the status changed to on time without us knowing) and Mia and I barely made it into our seats before they shut the doors and we were in the air. So relieved we didn't miss it! We had a nice seat buddy with pretzels who tried to make Mia's rough return trip less miserable for her. And then we were home and Jon and the girls were there to pick us up. So good to be back with them. So grateful for new memories with the sisters.