Fun with long-time friends

Nearly every January since 2005, I've gotten together with a small group of friends for dinner and catching up.  Our excuse initially was to celebrate two January birthdays but it's much more than a birthday party.

The group includes Patty, whom I've known since we were like 15 (she's the one I visit down south for General Conferences), Patty's sister Maile, who was my roommate during our early 30s, Lisa whom I've also known since I was a teenager and also Patty & Maile's youngest sister, Kanani.  The group also includes others I've met through these girls:  Heather, Robin and Marie.  I found some pictures of earlier gatherings:

Here's Marie, Lisa, Patty and me back in 2005.  I thought you guys would love to see my old hair.

 Patty and me in 2008.

Not everyone makes it every year but in 2010 we had Heather, Marie, me, Lisa, Maile, Kanani and Patty.  This was the white trash menu year - so many good things to eat! This was also the year that Maile and Patty didn't dress for the occasion. ;)

Here's our group this year.  Kanani was sick but Robin was able to come up from CA to join us which was awesome.  We laughed SO much and it was just the greatest to catch up with everyone.

Our food theme this year was anything pumpkin - which is Patty's favorite thing. I love catching up with these amazing women.  There have been marriages, babies, moves out of state and all sorts of other life changes and yet whenever we get together, it's like no time has passed.  We decided this year we need to add a second gathering in the summer and I hope we're able to do that.  Being with these wonderful women is exactly what I need to start my year off right.