50 candles for Bill!

How fun it was to be invited to participate in our dear friend Bill's 50th birthday celebration at a ranch in Idaho with about forty of their closest friends. We spent an extended weekend kid free enjoying fabulous food, horseback riding, atv riding, swimming, shooting and of course getting to cuddle with their precious babies who of course were too small to leave behind with their other children. Our friendship with Bill and Anne began about halfway through our time in NYC when we met them after they got married and were in our ward. From being the boys first babysitters to being there for us when we were moving out of the City to joining us on our trip to Dubai, to baptisms in Utah we have maintained our friendship no matter the distance between us. While we don't talk to them or see them as often as we'd like, we start right off where we left off each time we reconnect. Here are a few shots from our fabulous getaway.

While the plane ride from the Boise airport to the ranch was a bit nerve wracking, it was definitely worth it for the spectacular views.



Jack in his element...






While the primary purpose of the trip was to celebrate Bill one evening was spent remembering their sweet daughter Mary who passed around a year and a half ago in a drowning accident. We all placed lanterns in the lake one evening in memory of her. This beautiful small lake that sits on the property is now named after her.



Our fabulous hosts! I can't believe I didn't get a photo of the babies!!!



Heading back to Boise on the plane with my old NYC friends Liz who was also at the party. It's probably never a bad idea to split up couples when traveling on tiny planes like these...



On the return flight to Orlando I planned a stopover in SLC and met up with my dear friend Martha who is also from our NYC days! She grabbed me at the airport and we had a great time catching up over lunch. I feel so lucky to have so many great friends sprinkled all around the world that once in a while I'm able to cross paths with.