Summer Vacation #2: GFR 2013 in Oceanside, CA

These are my friends from childhood (except for Nicole. I met her in middle school). Most of them live far away, but I get to see them every year. I never realized how unusual it was to keep up friendships since elementary school until a few people told me so. I am very lucky blessed.

Brityn: AKA "Mother Brityn"

Jael: World Traveler

Lecia: Pam from The Office.

Nicole: The Photogenic One.

I look forward to this each year! I stress out about it before hand with arranging babysitting and what-not, but it is always worth it. Plus, I honestly believe I come back a better Mom. And that's because I am hanging with some very wise, funny, and beautiful women! I think we should rename it The Better Mother's Convention since we pretty much talk about our kids the whole time.

Speaking of kids, I thought I was going to return home with Sophie and Sabrina clinging to me saying "Never leave me again, Mommy!!!" But much to my surprise and pleasure, I returned home and it was as if nothing had happened. They were like, "Hey, Mom." and then went on with their business. That means, they must have been very well cared for while I was away.

My favorite moment of this GFR is this: I woke up one morning and saw that Brityn and Nicole were already up. I wave to them and then head for the obligatory bathroom, but Brityn stops me. "Don't wake up Lecia! She is sleeping on the bathroom floor."
Then I hear a groggy Lecia voice, "I'm awake."
I open the bathroom door and sure enough, Lecia is lying in a blanket heap with her sunburned legs outstretched on the tile. Lecia got a sever sunburn and was cooling her legs off by sleeping on the tile.

And here are a few photos just to prove that I actually was there myself:

 (Above photo credit: Jael)

 (Above Photo Credit: Lecia)

Now I have to think of a way to repay both my mother and mother-in-law for watching Sophie and Sabrina (and feeding Dave) while I was away. Thanks to the both of you for caring and loving my little girls!