Girlfriends are a necessity and I’ve been fortunate to have a core group of friends built in since high school, and one of those girls has been my best friend since elementary school.  I also found an equally amazing group of fun-loving girls in college that I’ve continued to be close to even though we’re all scattered across the country.  Since 2017 was a milestone year as most of us turned thirty, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what a great trip around the sun it was and how much I love these girls.

(The picture above is actually from the kick-off party to our wedding weekend!  It was so much fun having my friends, old and “new”, together by my side for all of our wedding events.  This picture was taken almost four an a half years ago and I’m happy to report that each of these women are still dear friends.  I am just so grateful for my squad.)

In March we celebrated Ali’s birthday in roaring 1920’s style with a Great Gatsby themed party at The Roosevelt in Denver.  The sorority girl in me loves a good theme party!  Plus, it’s always fun to dress up, have a fun night out and celebrate.

Then in June we made a group trip to Napa where we drank our weight in wine and laughed late into the night playing Speak Out and Cards Against Humanity.  It was my first time to Napa and I fell in love.  Hard.  It was my first trip, let alone overnight, without my son and although it was hard to leave him at home with grandparents the getaway was good for the soul.

In July, my college girlfriends and I celebrated Alex and Patrick’s wedding at a boatyard on the east coast.  It’s always a blast to reunite with my KU girls since I don’t get to see them very much.  Thank goodness for big life events that always bring us together.  And I still cannot get over the hydrangeas!  I think if Scott hears me express my love of hydrangeas one more time his head is going to explode.

  

We hit the pumpkin patch in full force this Fall.  We enjoyed the sunshine, barrel train and pony rides, and pumpkins a plenty.  We had so much fun that we all promised to make it an annual tradition.  Raising kids with your friends is seriously amazing and I’m very lucky to have such a tight-knit group of mamas and friends to buoy me when I’m down, share in the joys, and mark the milestones.

2017 was a year to remember, as were our twenties.  Both filled with lots of laughter, travel, and wine.  I am so grateful for the friendships, fun and memories I share with my girls.

And personally, 2017 was a great year.  We bought a new home where we have space to grow our family, traveled from coast to coast and spent time with friends and family whom we love. We watched our son turn one, learn to walk and develop his silly, sweet little personality.  Motherhood has had its bumps but it’s truly been such a joy.  Here’s to our thirties and all that’s to come!

Cheers and Happy New Year!

XO,

Libby