Motherhood Month One.

I have been a mama to this sweet boy here on earth for 5 weeks. It has been truly the most heart filling thing I have ever experienced.
He truly fits in our family like a missing puzzle piece. He is so fun! I feel like Heavenly Father has repaid me for the pain and agony of the first 4 months of pregnancy and has given me an ANGEL BABY.

This boy is perfect for my first time mama, sleep loving self. This is our night schedule (pretty much since week one):

10:00pm Go to bed
2:00am Wake up for change & Feed, then sleep.
6/7:00am Wake up for change & Feed, then sleep again LOL
9/10:00am Wake up for the day!!!

It is HEAVEN. I can DO this schedule. He is such a good sleeper (Praise God!) like his parents.
I credit two things to this...

1. He is an angel baby.
2. The most amazing crib bed, The Snoo.

I WILL BE DOING A FULL POST ON ALL THE BABY STUFF WE BOUGHT, WHAT WE LOVE, WHAT WE HAVE WAY TOO MUCH, AND WHAT WE DON'T NEED AT ALL...

Here are our favorite things that we never want to forget about him.

The Cutest Baby We've Ever Seen.

Guys. Parent eyes are a real thing and we say about 79 times a day how this is the cutest baby we have ever seen in our lives.
His face is just the squishiest, his lips are the juiciest, and his TOES!!!! Don't get me started.
His soft whispy brown (sometimes REDDISH?) hair and his big blue eyes. I CANNOT HANDLE HIM.

The Most Intense Poops Ever.

Hahahahahh!!! Guys, this little boy can let them RIP! I swear, every time someone new holds him, he releases a BOMB on them.
It's the funniest thing ever. One day Justin said (as I was holding him & he pooped) "WHOEVER IS HOLDING HIM, CHANGES HIM!" and now it makes us laugh every time even harder for ever ISN'T holding him LOL.

I will change those poops forever, I just love this boy....
(but like please don't let that stop you from potty training one day...)

Sleepy Baby = BEST ROAD DOG EVER

We made one sleeeeeepy baby. When he is awake, he is ALERT. He makes major eye contact and loves watching The Office and looking at any light.
But when homeboy is asleep? He is OUT. We've already brought him to TWO movies and he ate and slept the entire time. He loves to sleep!
Just like his parents...I'm so proud of him. Haha!

Watching the Office with Dad.

TO BE COMPLETELY HONEST, HE IS A REALLY EASY BABY. HE REALLY HASN'T BEEN HARD...YET. 
BUT I ALWAYS WANT TO BE REAL ON THIS BLOG SO I WANT TO ADDRESS THE HARDSHIPS (SOME SERIOUS, SOME PETTY HA!) I'VE HAD THUS FAR. 

Here's the tough stuff I don't want to forget either.

Post Partum Depression...Or Post Partum OBSESSION?

Of course you become totally obsessed with your sweet new bundle of joy. &heck, we totally are. We stare at this boy about 90% of the time.
But I have become a level of obsessed wrapped in anxiety and it can be very stressful.

You have this sweet baby and all of a sudden your heart isn't in your chest anymore, it's wrapped in a swaddle in your arms in a world filled with danger and germs and maniacs.
I walk around PARANOID something will happen to this little boy and I will lose everything. I've never been happier...which means I've never had more to lose.

It's dark thinking and I know that. I shared my feelings with my mom and she shut it down quick, she doesn't think like that. I was grateful for her confidence in Heavenly Father and His plan. I focus daily on living my life with FAITH and not FEAR.

It's really hard sometimes. But I'm working on it and making a conscious effort to control my thoughts.

Be There In Three Hours...

This is a lame one but it's a little irritating. I can't get out of the mother effing house LOL.
I swear it takes me 3 hours to get ready to leave with Baby Bubba. I have to pack, change him, feed him, PUMP and then get us all in the car.

So much planning just to go to freaking Target! LOL
I'm sorry I'm late to EVERYTHING (even more than normal).

So pretty much we just stay in the house...which I don't mind all too much!

The Smell Of Breastmilk

I cannot escape it. I swear I can't take the smell of my own self anymore!!! I only pump, never nurse, so I'm handling milk all day like a dairy farmer.
*I'll do a breastfeeding post later.
Forgive me and don't come too close LOL.

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Recovery From Labor

This is probably the hardest thing I've been dealing with, second to my anxiety.
Recovery is PAINFUL. Having stitches in your lady parts is NO JOKE. I am at week 5 and still have some pain.
I just went to the doctor and I STILL have stitches, Heaven help me.
I've never been in such pain for such a long time.
When they say recover take 6-8 weeks...they mean it.

The first two weeks I was moving like a sloth and taking pills every 4 hours just to survive. It was horrendous.
Thank goodness for a sweet angel baby to make it all worth it.

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This first month has been amazing. So many visitors. So much love.
Grandparents are losing their minds with love and joy. I just love how much his grandparents love him.
We have TOO MANY babysitters and it's the best thing ever!
I am enjoying a little slice of Heaven.

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Stoic I love you. You are more than I could have ever asked for. Your dad&I will forever be your protectors and your biggest fans. 
As long as you stay this cute...;) 

Xo Kels

Stoic Von Buhl - Birth Story.

Finally I am writing the story of this sweet boys entrance into the world.

STOIC VON BUHL
was born February 1, 2018. He was 8 pounds 3 ounces (yikes) and 20.5 inches long.

It all started that Thursday morning at 4:30am when I felt the contractions. For those who worry (like I did) that you wont know you're in labor...you will know.
I had had Braxton Hicks randomly, but the contractions came on and felt like bad cramps consistently every about 5 minutes.

I wanted to be sure that I was in labor ENOUGH to get to stay, I didn't want to get sent home.
So I hopped in the bath and fought those contractions for two hours. Haha! It wasn't terrible.

KEY TO FIGHTING CONTRACTIONS.
The second you feel them, start your count. One, two, three... They never lasted more than 15 seconds.
I can handle 15 seconds. I tracked the contractions on the Baby Center app and when they were about 4 minutes apart, I packed up and off we went.

*I ALWAYS THOUGHT I'D DO MY HAIR AND MAKEUP...I DIDN'T. I WAS PREPPED WITH MY LASHES, PUT ON SOME FACE MAKEUP, AND THREW MY HAIR IN A PONY. I FELT FINE.

We made it to the hospital at 7:00am and we went straight back to triage (which is a miracle, it's the busiest hospital in town).
Triage is where they check your contractions and how far dilated you are to see if you are in "active labor". I was only at a three but since I was past my due date, they let me stay. I would have DIED going home with those contractions.
We will let the video speak from here LOL!

 

Guys I can't even with this video, I make myself laugh hahaha.

The funny part was is when I stopped filming is when things derailed a little.

HERES WHAT HAPPENED.

A few hours after the epidural I started feeling a MEGA cramp in my left bum cheek. It was painful but I couldn't move myself to get comfortable.
I mildly freaked out in my head because I shouldn't have been feeling anything AND I couldn't move!
They pumped more epidural in twice and nothing happened....still pain. This is about 5pm ish.

Then it alllllll went downhill.
At this point I was out of epidural medication to pump in (I had used it all). As well, I needed the catheter REINSERTED because it has shifted to the right, which is why I was only getting the medicine on one side.

BUT there is one ONE anesthesiologist on staff...and he was in back to back emergency c-sections.

So slowly but surely, as I was further dilating and contractions were coming on stronger, the epidural was going BYE BYE.
By the time I hit a full 10, I felt it ALL. All the contractions at their maximum fierceness. It felt like a bad dream.

I had Justin, my mom and my mother in law with me and it truly was the dream team.
I just sat there dumbfounded because I had CHOSEN an epidural and where the heck was it LOLOL.

Then It Was Pushing Time.

Cue Panic. Ha! Right before we pushed I had gotten really nauseous from the medication and threw up (the worst).
Then the doctor comes in and we got going.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD I was still numb from my lady parts to my bum so I couldn't quite feel where I was pushing.
They said I did good, but I think I sucked at pushing. I couldn't feel where to push!
You're supposed to push like your pooping but since I'm a lady and never pooped before I couldn't quite get it ;) LOL

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Then I got SUPER nauseous again WHILE pushing and had to pause to throw up after pushing for like 30 minutes.
As my whole body is contracting to throw up (ps I'm cocked over to the side, throwing up while laying on my back, so weird), the baby SHOOTS OUT!!!!! I literally threw him up...in a way. Ha! At 10:33pm,

STOIC VON BUHL HAD ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!!

Birth is a crazy thing. I was scared as could be every step of the way but I kept my composure and I am proud of that.
I have never been more proud of myself for anything, you would have thought I was the first woman to ever do this LOL.

But come on ladies, this is freaking BADDDDDDD ASSSSSSSSSSSSS. Pardon my french. No other way to describe it.
Worth all the pain. All the stretch marks. All the weight added to my behind. All the pennies. All of it.

I love being this guys mom. I love my family. My heart is full.

Xo Kels

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QUESTIONS REGARDING BIRTH

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How do I feel about Epidurals now?

I am still PRO EPIDURAL. This is completely based on my opinion with absolutely no medical research whatsoever.
God bless women who go natural. It never was something I wanted to do. And that's okay. Let's cut out the mom shame, okay?
If not, I'm gonna start shaming women who go natural, the lunatics. LOL Kidding.

The epidural was totally fine. It wasn't anymore painful that any shot I've ever had. I didn't look at the needle but it felt the same.
GO EPIDURALS!!!!!

What do I actually need to bring to the hospital?

I read every single Pinterest post on what to bring...I brought it all. This is what I actually needed.
I needed the Depends diapers I packed for after birth. Haha! I used them for two weeks and they served me well.
The hospital will give you mesh underwear and a MEGA pad. Diaper is so much betterrrrrr. You're all secure.

I brought my coziest blanket as well as a pillow. I was so glad. My husband brought the same and we were as comfy as could be!

I purchased and packed mens boxer briefs to go over the ever so flattering adult diaper and I have been wearing them ever since. They are the best!

I packed a outfit me me to go home in, it was just cute sweats.

For the baby, we brought two oneies, his go home outfit, a swaddle and a baby blanket.

Most importantly, I packed my charger with a mega long cord. DO NOT FORGET THIS.

I also brought a nice soap for the bathroom HAHA!!

PACK LESS NOT MORE!!!
They give you SO MUCH STUFFFFFFFF at the hospital. It made me feel like I do when I steal the lotions and trial size crap form the hotels I go to LOL.
They give you all the stuff you need to heal from your new wound. Tons of wipes and diapers. Baby soap and bulbs. More stuff I'm even forgetting.
They take care of you. Pack less and take ALL the stuff they give you. They want you to take it.

What the heck is an Episiotomy? Does it hurt?

It is when they cut you to make more room for the baby when they suppose you will tear.
It is the most painful part of this whole ordeal. Oh. My. Gosh. I'm on week 5 of recovery and I'm still in some dull pain.
Avoid the Episiotomy. Google how to do so. It takes some preparation but if I had known I would have done it.

What does a hospital room look like?

We got the handicap room (only one open) so it was HUGE!!!! We were so spoiled. I loved it.
I took pictures as I left before I could clean so don't judge Haha!
Make sure you take the hospital tour before you go. The less unknowns the better.

 The tv had Bravo...Bless Summerlin Hospital. The tv had Bravo...Bless you Summerlin Hospital.

Bathroom to the left. Private to our room of course.

Should you pack snacks? What's the food like?

We packed snacks for Justin and he was happy to have them but weren't needed. Every hospital has a food court and I was happy with it!
My mom & his mom kept Justin well fed...while I ate ice chips. HA! But after the baby, I got DOWN!
They had the BEST breakfast burritos EVER. No joke. I might go back to the hospital for brunch one day lol.

Just eat the hospital food, not bad at all. They feed you every meal as well.

Tell me the truth Kels...did you poop?

Truth is....I didn't poop. It's because I sucked at pushing ha. My doctor said if people poop it's good because they are pushing in the right spot. And I never thought I'd say this.....I wouldn't have cared if did. Your mind is so many other places. Don't worry about the poop.

Visitors...when & where?

Everyone is different about visitors but I read once that the mother had everyone come to the hospital so I decided to do the same. IT IS THE BEST.
You are already there and you don't have to worry about anything, people just filter in and out.

When I got home, I seriously was in bed for days and having people come and stay seemed a little tiring. I didn't want people to see the dishes in my sink or my un-showered self.
It surprised me how many people wanted to come by! I felt so loved! I just was exhausted. Have as many people as possible visit the hospital!

Where did we get the name Stoic? Where did we get the middle name Von?

I heard the name Stoic from How to Train Your Dragon. Gerard Butler plays the Viking King Stoick.
I loved it and so did Justin. I always wanted to spell it the way the word is actually spelled. So Stoic it is!

As far as Von...The Buhl's used to be the Von Buhl's way back when. And it sounded perfect since the first time we said it.
So it stuck!

I cannot WAIT WAIT WAIT to tell you about his first month with us! It has been a dream. Talk soon.

Don't marry someone who makes you laugh.

Being pregnant has been WILD. My entire marriage, I've been pregnant.

It's actually been quite the push into reality for Justin & I. We were married 3.5 weeks when I found out. 
And ever since then it's been a freaking roller coaster. I must say it has truly made me fall into a whole other level of in love with this sweet man. 
I'd tell you how good he is but it'd be brag-a-docious and you wouldn't believe me anyways. ;)

I'm one day away from my due date. WHAT!!! 
I failed on taking pictures (I waited until three days ago to take my maternity photos and canceled because I'm huge and nothing looked good.)
But I at least want to be good about recording my feelings (and new found wisdom) about this pregnancy.

First, a Q&A and then I'm getting real about pregnancy....real like I wish I would have been informed a long long time ago. Lol

How far along are you: 40 weeks exactly.

Cravings: PIZZA. I don't think that's pregnancy though. Lol Also I can't get enough orange juice...I feel like a vampire drinking blood, no joke. 
I pretty much want to eat everything, all the time...

Sleep: I sleep like a baby. I get up 2-3 times a night to pee but I fall right back asleep. I have a HORRIBLE nerve pain every time I move, but luckily doesn't keep me from sleeping.

Baby Movement: He is wild. I feel like he knows he's too big to come out "downstairs" so he's clawing his way out through my stomach. Or he's a dancer.....like his dad....

How are you feeling: I feel NERVOUS AS HELL. I am so scared to push this baby out. I have to remind myself daily that it's been done before and I will be fine........sos....

Favorite Moment: Whenever Baby Buhl is kicking and causing me pain, Justin goes up to my belly and says "Baby, don't hurt your mom!" We're already parenting as a unit. Lol

Stretch Marks: I am WRECKED. Let's just say that.

Belly button In or Out: It's out most of the time.

Miss anything: Moving around, not feeling like a whale. Also I miss not having back pain.

Looking forward to: Meeting this little guy. How big will he be?! Will he have blonde hair!!!? Will he be 6 pounds or 10 pounds?!

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Here Are Some Thoughts I Have Had, Questions I Have Asked My Self, And Moments Don't Want To Forget...

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"Will I ever get to laugh again without the fear of completely emptying my bladder?"

I have completely, 1000% empty, full blown peed my pants 3 times. 
All three times Justin was involved and made me laugh. I cannot even explain peeing your pants as an adult lol. 
The first time it was just the two of us and I was like half embarrassed, half horrified. 
Justin immediately tried to help me clean up THE PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR, and I said YOU'RE NOT CLEANING MY PEEEEEEEEE. 
It was really funny.

Now when I pee my pants, its just another day another dollar.

"Why did I refuse to wear lotion for 25 straight years?"

I never wear lotion except to rid myself of ashy legs on the way to church. This is a horrible mistake. 
While your skin is expanding, it needs to be moisturized...mine has been dry for 25 years. This is a stretch mark breeding ground.

I am ABSOLUTELY COVERED. From boob to calves...yeah I'm not joking. I think I've had one good tear up over it and made peace with it. 
If Justin had ever said ONE thing about them, I think it would have sent me the other way, but he is so good to me. I say, holy HECK they are SO BAD
Every time he just says, you're beautiful. I appreciate that. It's made all the difference.

Words really matter, I'm thankful for his daily build ups when I feel like a small cow. 
Oh & by the way...the second I can I am getting these bad boys LAZERED OFFFFFFF. 
I've come a long way but I'm still vain. LOL

Don't believe everything you hear about pregnancy.

Every pregnancy is different, so take it as it comes. 
I heard the last trimester gets tough and and sleep is horrible and you can't wait to push baby out. 
None of this is true for me, my 3rd trimester has been a DREAM. 
I sleep like 9 hours ever night. I am doing good, I could keep doing this! Plus you look obviously pregnant so people are so nice to you. Haha!

I never want to do a first trimester EVER AGAIN, but 3rd I can handle. 
I decided my third was gonna be good and I was going to be grateful and it was. 
Not that will power always works, cause it did NOTHING my first 14 weeks lol.

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Is there other way to get this kid out or can I just raise him from my uterus?

I mentioned this before but I am SCAREDDDDDDDDD of birthing this baby. I really am. 
You don't know WHEN it's coming, so that scares me. And you've never experienced it before, so that scares me too. 

So I'll let you know if my fears were warranted or if I was being a big babbbbyyyyyyyyyy. Probably the first one. Ha!

"Who should I believe, the woman who said I am petite cute little pregnant lady or the woman who asked me if I was having twins?"

LOL. Guys. Whatever you look like pregnant, come to peace with it. Somedays I feel the size of a small boat...most days...I've made peace with it. 
Take people's compliments and comments in stride. The most important thing is not that I went from 117 to 161 pounds (I say I'm gonna be real, so there's my transparency), it's that I GREW A FREAKING HUMAN. Yay me!!!!!

Ps second the baby comes out, time to get my butt in gear. Once again, still vain. LOL

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My dad brought all my childhood stuffed animals & I'm in Heaven...

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Im really excited to post what labor is like. And if all the money we've spent on gadgets and high tech baby stuff works out. 
And tell you how breastfeeding is...and tell you what it's like to snuggle a little baby human whom I get to love forever ever feels like. 
Motherhood is one heck of a thing.

Wish me luck.

xo Kels 

All dogs go to Heaven.

My sweet dog of 12 years old passed away yesterday.

It was unexpected to me and it was pretty terrible. I am still really in shock.

But when I think about dogs...I think he put those on earth, just because He loves us so much. Type image caption here (optional)

Something about animals makes me feel close to Heaven. When I see a giraffe or a lion or a toucan or a peacock, 
I think of the creativity of our Father in Heaven.

But when I think of dogs, I think of how much Heavenly Father  loves us.

I am slightly obsessed with pictures of her sleeping. So cute I cant.

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I got my first dog, Tally, when I first moved to Las Vegas in 7th grade. We got her at 8 weeks old. 
She was the only little black chihuahua in the bunch. The first 3 nights she cried and cried in her giant kennel and I thought, 
"Oh no, this was the worst choice ever!"

But then quickly she became the favorite member of our family. 
I think we got along so well because we were so alike. Her favorite things were to eat, snuggle, tan in the sun, and play. 
And at 4 pounds her whole life, she was the cutest little player in the world.

She was just the most chill happy dog in the world and only wanted to spend time with the people she loved. 

Which she got to do every single day! I love thinking of that.

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I have to stop and think of how divinely interrupted everything was. 
(Someone once said to me, "You MORMONS think everything has God involved..." LOL Well sue me, I do.)

A few years back I developed an allergy to dogs which made my eyes swell and itch like the dickens within the hour.
Luckily my grandma was living alone at the time and was IN LOVE with my dog, so she stayed with her.
When my grandma moved into with my mom, so did Tally! 
So Tally's circle became my grandma, my mom, my moms fiance Tom (dog hater turned dog lover), and ME!

A few days ago Tally's breathing became really heavy consistently.
My grandma spent the days with her, watching her. Tally was spoiled and has a bed in every room so she is never alone. Ha! 
The past two nights, my mom slept with her to keep an eye on her. 
Yesterday she went out and slept in the sun with Tom while he built his garden planter.
Everyone got to spend a little time with her on her lasts days...

And then me. I see her at least two times a week when I got to my families house. 

I felt strongly yesterday to pick her up and take her to the vet right after church. 
I picked her up and she was totally herself. Her breathing was horrible but I walked in and she popped out of her bed for me to pick up.

I carried her and loaded her up in the car and got to pet her the whole way there. 
She just stared at me and was content in the sunshine of the car.

I carried her in, carried her back. I held her and got to talk with her until the vet came back. 
The vet knew immediately that she was in heart failure. I felt strongly that this was the last time I would get to see her. 
The vet took her back for xrays and I cried in prayer not knowing what to say. 
I knew not to pray for her to live. I prayed for comfort for our dog. For our family. I prayed a prayer of gratitude for 12 years with a little piece of Heaven.

She took her back for xrays and she passed away. 
My mom and Tom met me there to say their goodbyes.

What would have been more normal is my mom to have taken her to the vet.
But some how some way, I was the one. I will be eternally grateful for that goodbye. 
I was be eternally grateful for the peace I felt during that prayer, even with all I sorrow I felt and feel. 

I am so thankful for the 13 years I got with this dog. She has swelled my heart time and time again just with her little face. 
She has sat with me during boredom, during tears, during all of it. 
Dogs are pure love and I think that's why I love them so much. 

I will be forever thankful for my time with this angel. 
I can't even wait till I get to snuggle her again.

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Dog's lives are too short. Their only fault really. 

xo Kels 

One resolution to make and KEEP if you want to be happy this year.

I am alive! & I have this beautiful new blogging space.
My friend Eli Atkins is a really talented web designer and made this an amazing space for me to write my thoughts.
If you need any type of web design or website, he is your go to!

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I am THREE WEEKS from having a baby boy! Technically I could be 3 hours away...but I hope it's 3 weeks.
I have lots of things to prepare, I feel like I can't read enough material, or watch enough videos.
I also am sleeping about 9 hours a night and I'm not ready to give it up LOL.

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I have been away from blogging for a bit but I will slowly be catching up and filling in all the things I've missed...girls trips, holidays, all the stuff I want to document.
But I want to come back to my little space in the internet with something I have realized and want to share.
I implore you to consider what I am about to say and take action.
So here it is:

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UNFOLLOW THE PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING YOU MISERABLE.

Let me tell you what made me come to this conclusion (that I should have come to along time ago).

I would start my day feeling full of gratitude. I loved my little home. I loved my new $30 shoes. I loved my 2010 Prius. I felt so grateful for everything, because I truly have so much.
I would see a homeless person on the street or a video about someone less fortunate and my heart would mourn for them, and swell with confusion and gratitude why I was given a life with so much. I would say my prayers with my husband each night and have to cut short my list of things I am grateful for so that our prayers weren't an hour long.

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And Then I Would Open Instagram...

Instantly I was filled with envy. It seemed like EVERYONE had more than me.
If I could JUST get to stay home all day and blog.
If I could JUST be as fit and in shape as the women I saw.
If I could JUST have the home that my old acquaintance just built.
If I could JUST get all the free stuff that all these bloggers get sent to them in the mail.

Then I would be happy. As happy as I was 5 minutes before I saw all those things.

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You have GOT to set yourself free from all of the things that are making you think you don't have enough.
That are making you think you yourself are not enough.
That are making you think that all the blessings in your life are only second best to what other people have. It's just not true. 

It has to stop.

I, today, am unfollowing all the people who make me feel like what I have, isn't enough.
I challenge you to do the same.
Maybe you have to unfollow me! And that is totally okay.
If I am triggering something in you, then cut me the heck OUT!
Or call me and I'll get real with you. Haha

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We all have things we desire. We all are missing things in our lives...some big, some little. There are people out there who have more than us...
News flash to myself. Someone will ALWAYS have more than me. Unless you're Oprah or Bill Gates, someone will probably always have more than you too.

But come on! Even they have crappy days, I'm sure of it! We all have highs and lows. We all have good and bad.
The only way to keep trucking along with joy is to focus on the highs and the good.

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So start fresh. Clean up your life, whatever that looks like to you, and start fresh tomorrow.
I love you all too much.

xo Kels 

Ain't a party without my girls.

Our girls trips started really organically. We saw a flight to San Francisco for like $70 bucks round trip and it was Annie's birthday. Say no more.

After that trip we realized 5 is the perfect travel number.

We have gone on 3 trips together & I feel like we have mastered it!

San Francisco, San Diego, and our staycation in Las Vegas. I'm counting it. Lol

I don't want to forget any of the memories or any of the trips so here are my favorite travel trips when traveling with a group!!

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SAN FRANCISCO

We rocked this trip so hard. 

Everything worked out like a "miracle". Our theme song was "there will be miracles." 

We bought the flight ahead of time so we were subject to whatever weather they had for us. Which was supposed to be 3 days of straight rain. 

We flew in Friday night & flew out Monday night. 

First "miracle" was the rain giving up just when we needed it. But I digress.

With girlfriends, literally every moment is fun, so even our airport delay made for some classic videos. 

We did INTENSE research on hotels...well Annie did. 

We found the most beautiful hotel in the heart of San Francisco. 

Tip 1: How To Bunk 5 In A Room

We all wanted to be in the same room so we got a suite with king bed & a pull out couch. This works super well for 5. 

Heidi & I snuggled up and the other three girls shared the king. If you need your space, get two rooms. Lol

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Tip 2 : Select Your MUST DO!

 I grew up in San Francisco and Heidi had been there multiple times. But for the rest of the girls, it was their first time! 

We each named one thing that really wanted to do in San Francisco, and we did it.  This way everyones voice was heard and everyone had a highlight of the trip! 

Tip 3: Select One "Food Connoisseur"

Omg, this was the best thing we ever did. Since it was Annie's birthday and her must do was good food, she chose every restaurant.

There are foodies and then people who wanna eat. I just wanna eat. lol So Annie seriously researched the must go places in San Francisco and got us reservations and guided us!

It was the BEST. We were all totally on board and the tradition stuck. We of course said "oh we want this type of food" and then she found it.

It made it so easy.

Tip 4: Be Flexible, But Have A Plan.

Everyone was really flexible and it made the trip a vacation and not a stress trip.

We slept in, we lingered if something was interesting or fun, but we had a game plan of the things we wanted to see. 

I made a list of everything we wanted to do, put it all together, and then approved it with the girls.

Tip 5: UBER 

Uber is your friend, so use it. We use public transportation like Bart when we could, but we ubered to the Oakland temple and to the ward in Palo Alto.

Uber is so convient and horribly cheap when split between 5 people. Which leads me to Venmo. You need to have it.

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Really, I think all that matters is the company you keep. This group of friends brings so much joy and inspiration to my life. Strong women supporting strong women. I love it.

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