the spa

The celebration begins...well, I began celebrating back in May when I went to New York...so I guess, the celebration continues!!! Unfortunately, Hawaii and the Caribbean were out of the question this time, so we settled on a day at the spa, filled with TONS of fun, relaxation, laughter and best of all memories.

After being upgraded to a suite in our already free room...that's right, we love you Camelback Marriott, we checked out our room...awesome...

and our views...double awesome!!

then we headed up to the spa...chilaxin' by the pool!! The hardest thing about the spa was trying to be quiet...we were not very good at that...

we went for our spa treatments next...massages. I have never been to a spa, nor have I ever had a massage so this was all new to me...and I don't know WHY I waited so long. It took me a little bit to relax during my fabulous hot stone massage but once I did I did NOT want to leave...1 hour was not even close to long enough. After we were done with the massages, all in a daze, hanging out in the waiting room, watching Ash flash everyone, my name was called again and I was so confused...only because I half asleep still. Everyone was saying "Happy Birthday Katie", still confused I got up and followed the lady to my NEXT spa treatment...surprise #1, a scalp massage. I am not easily surprised and this was an "oh so heavenly" surprise and a perfect completion to my massage. Thank you again girls!!

We headed back out to the pool for some more relaxation and a little surprise from me this time...waiting on every one's lounge chairs...a custom towel for the occasion

embroidered with our names and China Glitter 2009, of course!! The excitement and surprise was AMAZING...thanks Bree for helping pull this off!!

It was then time to freshen up and head out to Oreganos...for a super yummy dinner...

Apparently the one Oregano's was really busy so we drove to a different one...which had an hour wait since it just started to down pour and half their seating is outside. So we went on a drive...around some huge houses...then we were pulling into a gated community...still clueless. We pulled up to this house and everyone got out...I followed and realized this was Julia's aunts house. We went inside and her cousin was there with her new baby. It all made sense now...we had some time to kill and Julia (the baby whisperer) wanted to come see the new baby. Then everyone gathered around the piano...

surprise #2...I have to say this was by far one of the best gifts I have ever received. It was perfect, it was hilarious, and it was a complete surprise...I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face all the while trying to hold the camera still. I still can't get enough of this song...you guys rock!!! And who knew Julia could play piano so well...and sing...

After a late night we were in need of more spa treatments...but had to settle for relaxing in and by the pool...with our matching towels...which was almost as good.

Then back to our room to get ready for the day and my favorite breakfast...

and putting on my surprise #3 (does it ever stop)...since Tara won't share...

And headed out for a day full of shopping, laughter, more great food, tons more fun and of course no girls trip would be complete without bahama bucks!!

and a few highlights:

tripping...once, twice...maybe more

that huge store we saw...it was MASSIVE!!

sharing dressing rooms...

bree's COMPLETE indecisiveness about the luggage

tickle hill, have you been?...they put it speed bumps, and then a guard gate and then tire slashers

the super secret floor of nordstroms...oh wait wrong trip...

kissing a life size golden walrus

LOTS of skin tight pants

Julia sneaking out of the whole super skin tight pant party...

actually surprising Julia with the towels

a super fun weekend with a few of my bffs...what more could a girl want

I am sure I forgot something...so feel free to add on...

Thanks again girls for the amazing weekend...so now what are we doing for my "real" birthday?