Sunday, September 29, 2013

(Belated) 30th Birthday Bash... Scottsdale Style

My birthday may have been over a month ago...
but I (finally) properly celebrated it last weekend.


I flew to Scottsdale, Arizona and met with three of my closest friends 
(who also turned 30 this year.)

It had been almost an ENTIRE YEAR since we were all together...
and we were determined to make up for lost time!


Our friend Ellen (who happens to live in Scottsdale) was an excellent host.
But, while she was busy chasing after her two kids, or making dinner plans, 
I was busy taking pictures of her GORGEOUS house.




Ellen's husband owns a custom cabinetry business, and you can tell which room
he likes to spend most of his time in...
Pretty cool, right?!


Perfect spot for game day.




Anyways...
The three-day trip was fantastic.
We had the chance to go shopping, swimming and 
HIKING - which was an "interesting" activity for many of us.


Ellen's husband decided we should tackle Squaw Peak.
It doesn't look too bad from the picture...
but let me tell you...
I thought I was going to die up on that rocky hill.


It was 98 degrees outside... and we were all dehydrated... 
but after an hour of hiking...
we barely made it to the top! (And survived.)



My friends Sara and Jenn were seriously rock stars.
Hahaha, get it? ROCK stars?
Yeah... I'm lame...
BUT - they kept pushing us to finish.
Over achievers.


The way back down the hill was just as challenging.
Our friend Ellen had a few mishaps.
She fell 1, 2 or 12 times... (not sure)... I lost count after awhile.


I also lost count how many times I had to "hug it out" with the porcelain throne.
(I wish I would have packed a toothbrush in my fanny pack.)


After our fun hike...
We decided to stay on FLAT ground for dinner.
We ate at Sapporo's (a Japanese steakhouse.)
The food was AMAZING.


We also weren't ashamed to break out our BLINKING "30 Rocks" buttons.
#classy



The night ended with some classic "Dirty Dancing" moves at Kierland Commons.
Ellen's husband is freakishly strong.
(I blame it on all the 5-Hour Energy drinks he consumes!)




All in all, it was such a great weekend.
I am so blessed to have three amazing friends in my life.
Even though we don't live in the same city... or talk every day... 
we always pick up EXACTLY where we left off.  
I love friendships like that :)


And, yes... it can be a bit challenging turning 30.
Apparently it makes you want to go to bed at 9:37 PM.
(Sorry, Jenn!)


P.S. If you don't follow my friend Ellen's blog, you are missing out!
She is a fantastic writer... and takes you on a very personal journey...



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