Girls Trip 2012

Every Spring I get together with 3 of my best girlfriends for our annual girls trip.  This tradition started five years ago, and I am so happy we have stuck with that vow we made to each other when we were in college.  This year was extra special because it marked the five year anniversary, two of us have 6 month old babies, one is pregnant, and a new job.  We all have hectic lives with so much going on, so it is nice to take a little getaway, and catch up on each others lives.  Not to mention a whole weekend of uninterrupted sleep.....I am in!  When we came up with the idea we decided we would visit a different city every year, starting small, and working our way up to something fabulous, like a Mediterranean Cruise....girls can dream right?  This year we chose Charlotte, not only is it a great town, but Katie lives there!  She moved there for her job almost a year ago, and has had nothing but great things to say about it since calling it home.  She was such a fabulous host, and showed us everything Charlotte had to offer.  Me and Brittany live here in Nashville, and Shannie lives in Chattanooga, so we all hit the road Thursday afternoon.




Upon our arrival to Katie's apartment she has this wonderful spread laid out for us.



Of course she made sure we were stocked up with PLENTY of wine and champagne.  Complete with alcohol free wine for Brittany.

The night we all went alumni for our sorority Katie gifted us all with a special wine glass and a toast.  We bring our wine glasses on our trips, and use them for the weekend.  In the picture frame is a copy of the toast.  She also gave us a bottle of our favorite wine, and a CD with memorable songs from all of our trips.  You are so thoughtful Katie, thank you so much!

Then she took us all down memory lane with pictures from our college years, and all of the trips we have been on.  Again, creative, and thoughtful.

However, we are still sleeping on air mattresses like we did on Spring Break.

Friday night, we spent our night hanging out, drinking wine, and talking for hours.

We decided to make an exception and allow Ethan to come with us this year.  I hope he soaked it up, because this is the last time we let him come with us :)

You would think being able to sleep in as late as we wanted without having to worry about a baby to tend to we would have taken advantage.  Nope, we were up by 7AM.  We made breakfast, had bloody Mary's, and mimosas, and did what all girls love to do....went and got mani/pedis.  After that we piddled around town a bit, and went to lunch at this great little burger place called Pinky's.  That afternoon we did a little shopping, and headed to our hotel.  After a rough plane ride home from New Orleans a few years ago, we decided it would be best to have our "big" going out night on Friday.  Katie wanted to feel like it was a vacation as well, so she booked a hotel room a block from where we would hit the town that night.  We relaxed, napped, gushed over the news breaking about Angie and Brad getting engaged, and got ready for our night out.

This mama was ready to party!

Before our to die for dinner at Osso.  This place was wonderful, and had the perfect atmosphere for our girly night out.

Cheers to 10 YEARS of friendship.

Brittany and I shared the Lobster Bolognese, and it did not disappoint.

After dinner we went back to the hotel to drop Brittany off (I cannot imagine why a pregnant woman did not want to hit the town with us ha), caught a cab, and went to the Epicenter.  This place was like a playground for adults, we hit a lounge first, then danced the night away at a few different places.  We were so proud of ourselves for making it out late, and definitely have some wonderful stories to look back on next GT. 

Saturday morning we peeled ourselves out of bed, and went to brunch.  We spent the remainder of the day vegging out on Katie's couch watching movie after movie....literally.   

Saturday night we made a fancy dinner at home.  Yes those are crab legs, and they were delicious!  There is just something about sitting around a table, drinking wine, and talking that puts me in my happy place.  Those are the moments I cherish the most on these trips. 

After dinner we packed our mini wine bottles and hit the late showing of Titanic in 3D.  Unfortunately Rose did not let Jack on the board (I have never understood why that broad didn't move over and let him on there with her), but the movie was just as good seeing it for the 9 millionth time.

Sunday morning we packed up and headed back to TN.  I think these trips mean more and more to me every year.  The older I get the more I cherish this special bond I have with these ladies.  It is so fun to see how much has changed from year to year when we get together.  My mom once told me if you can make it through life with one best friend you should consider yourself lucky, I am clearly beyond blessed.  Even though I missed Hudson like crazy I needed a weekend away to enjoy myself.  I am so lucky to have a husband that is willing take care of our baby, so that I can go on this trip.  I am already looking forward to next year's trip!