New Years in Utah

For the first time in many years, Matt and I were apart on New Years this year. I flew out to Utah for my friend, Nicole's wedding, and Matt decided to stay home and work.

I loved the time getting to see our Utah friends but I was definitely missing Matt on New Year's Eve.

I got to spend lots of time with Nicole and her family, since I rode back to Cali with her mom, dad and sister. Her wedding was wonderful and the reception turned out GORGEOUS! Her family are a hilarious group and kept me continually laughing. Charlotte joined me at the reception and we spent a good part of the night dancing away just like the old days (though this time without Mary).

I also got to see Tori, Bryan and Jack again which was nice since Jack wasn't sick anymore and much happier. I had breakfast with Brianne and Cami from our old Draper ward and had a blast catching up with them. I saw Mary several times which was unexpected since she is always so busy.

I actually spent New Years Eve with her and Tyler and Tyler's family playing Just Dance 3, eating lots of yummy food and watching the cheesy New Year's TV specials that I love. Mary also put a few fake lashes on me which was fun to have for Nicole's wedding but since I don't know how to gently rub my eyes, they all fell out within two weeks. It was nice to have some quality time with Mary before she has her little baby boy next month. She has a huge heart and I loved that she made sure to carve out some time for me.

I headed down to Mapleton and spent an afternoon with Pikey, Chris and their little baby, Noah, whom I had not yet met.  Noah was adorable of course and they let me hold him for hours while he slept in my arms while we all chatted up a storm. They had just gotten home from Australia and were a big jet-lagged.

I had lunch with Red Rachel between Nicole's wedding and reception and had fun hearing about her recent adventures. I miss having our daily lunches together at the AHA :)

I also did not leave without having breakfast with my old co-workers from Primary Children's. Being with them again felt like nothing had changed, minus the fact that they kept trying to talk me into moving back.

And since our return travel was delayed, I got to spend my last day in Utah hanging with Charlotte at her house who ended up staying home from work. We talked lots, she made me food, she made me laugh and then she made me take a nap.

So overall the trip was crazy busy but a wonderful reminder of the great friends that we have (and that is just in Utah). We don't have as many friends out here in San Jose yet so it was nice to be around people who know me so well.

Happy New Year to all you we were not able to see and hopefully we can make that happen in 2012!