My cell phone is programed so that each time one of my Sister's call the ring tone is that song "We are FAMILY. I've got all my SISTERS with me!" I love that ring tone. I love my Sisters.
This past weekend my older Sister Jen planned a sweet 16 party for her daughter Alyssa. Alyssa is the oldest granddaughter on my side of the family. My Mom promised her that for her 16th birthday she would take her to the Little America in Salt Lake City and spend the weekend shopping. A few months ago, Alyssa realized that was not going to happen now that Grandma is gone so Jen decided that we needed to follow through with Grandma's promise and take Alyssa to the Little America. So she extended the invitation for each of my sisters to meet in Salt Lake that weekend and have the ultimate girls night out.
Allow me to explain a bit more. Each of us girls have found memories of spending weekends in Salt Lake with my Mom. She loved Salt Lake. She would take each of us for weekends just with her. We would shop, stay at the Little America, eat at fun restaurants and tour temple square. I remember one such trip. I was about 10 or 11 years old. My Mom had taken me to Mormon Handicraft. One of her favorite stores. I picked out a beautiful night gown. I remember feeling that this nightgown was so soft, comfortable and made me feel like a princess. As soon as we got back to the hotel I put my nightgown on and was in heaven.
Staying at the Little America was a luxury. It was a very nice, high class hotel 25 years ago when we would go. They have maintained the hotel quite nicely. I know there are others that I am sure are nicer, but it was exactly how I remember it.
I teared up a bit when I entered the room. I felt so close to my Mom. I know she was with us. Childhood memories from that hotel came flooding back. It might sound odd, but I am always amazed as to what smells, sounds, objects, or something that someone will say will bring back a memory of my Mother.
We arrived in Salt Lake Friday afternoon. I have 5 sisters and 4 of us were able to go. Plus my niece, her best friend, my other niece and Katelyn. We spent Friday afternoon shopping, eating at the Olive Garden, then back to our hotel for lots of laughs while soaking our feet in the hot tub.
(Not sure why typepad is cutting off the right side. sorry. too tired to fix it)
Saturday morning we checked out of the hotel, went to breakfast then headed down to my sister's house. I took a few family pics of her family then we did a bit more shopping and dinner.
My niece Makayla (who is 13) has decided that she too wants to go the Little America when she turns 16. She was very impressed and had so much fun. I told her that we just need to take all of the girls there for their birthdays and make it a girls weekend with their Aunts. I am looking forward to many more birthdays celebrated there since I have so many beautiful nieces!
Be sure to check back later this week. I will be announcing the Halloween Memory contest WINNER and adding a NEW contest to my blog. PLUS! Adornit has asked me to participate in their Holiday Blog Hop this weekend so stay tuned for that. I am so excited!
I really don't know how to explain but seeing those pictures of the Little America is like seeing Mom come back from the dead or something. Makes my heart start to beat faster. So, so weird! Really, it's kind of freaking me out. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad. I guess a little of both. I hope you didn't order a drink at the Olive Garden!!! Only water allowed!
Posted by: Katie | November 09, 2009 at 08:51 PM
What a beautiful way to celebrate your Mother and her tradition with the girls! Happy Birthday to your niece!
Posted by: Misty Willis | November 10, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Oh, I forgot to add, the 9th is my son's birthday. He is 11 years old now~ I look forward to creating traditions with my kids to pass on to my grandchildren! Thanks for your inspiration!
Posted by: Misty Willis | November 10, 2009 at 08:09 AM
I cry to think that you carry on your mom's tradition. What a wonderful legacy for all of the girls, and to be able to talk to them about their grandma. You are so amazing. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Judy Pasley | November 10, 2009 at 02:01 PM
So so so glad you girls were able to do that!! I am glad you all had such a nice time together.
Posted by: Michele Flynn | November 11, 2009 at 01:17 PM
yes I am a picture stealer, I didn't have those so thanks:) ps, you are the one that drove me nuts....hmmmm the car ride with you was interesting. You stress tooooooo much. But I love ya still.....wink wink
Posted by: Natalie | November 11, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Kaite...it was REALLY weird to walk into the room. It's like they did not change a single thing in 25 years. Even the bedspreads are 80's. It was SO Mom!!!! We sure missed you being there. Kim, great photos and awesome post. I believe we will be going back before too long!
Posted by: jenn diaz | November 12, 2009 at 09:54 PM