UTAH: Days 3, 4, & 5

My picture taking got more sporadic as the trip progressed...I was so busy enjoying myself that I forgot to document.  I think that's a good thing. Without further adieu...here are the last three days of the trip.

On Saturday, we were going to go snow shoeing but the weather had others plans. High winds and heavy snow...not ideal. Instead, we (meaning Jarah) put some soup in the crockpot and whipped up a pie and then headed up to Park City to do some outlet shopping and see the town where the Sundance Film Festival is held each year. We all scored some good deals, and it snowed! Double win.

We then drove back to Jarah's house to eat our soup and pie. I loved the times I got to sit around and get to know Jarah's roommates and friends. They are all so wonderful! 

Don't mind this abysmal photo of me, just focus on the banana cream pie

After we stuffed our bellies full, we needed some rest time that afternoon. A little later Jarah, a roommate, a roommate's boyfriend, and I went to see Tangled. It was so cute and hilarious...I love that Disney movies are incorporating some humor for the adults. We hung out some more afterwards at the house, ate grilled cheese, and ventured out for some Lunaberry.

The next day was Sunday, and we started out with breakfast at Eggs in the City. I'm so sad I didn't take pictures there...the place was really cool, the food was so good, and the waiter had an epic mustache. 

We headed to church at Risen Life and then for afternoon tea at the Beehive Tea Room. Jarah and I have a shared love for tea, so this was the perfect place to spend a few hours. The giant slice of coffee cake and scones didn't hurt either. 

Tea for two, two for tea

I did some reading while Jarah journaled, and then we ended up talking to this guy named James who was sitting across from us. He is also a social work grad student, at the U, and he went to Baylor in Waco, TX for his undergrad. We talked about everything from blogging to social networking to Africa and faith. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip for sure. He reminded me of a lot of my classmates, and I've been praying for him this past week.

how cool is this place?!

Then we headed to Cottonwood Heights, where Jarah's parents live. I'm bummed I didn't get pictures of their gorgeous house and with her family! They were so gracious to invite us over for dinner, and Jarah's mom definitely went beyond the call with an amazing homemade meal and brownies for dessert. I loved getting to know them a bit and sharing in their family. They are lovely, and I can't wait to see them again! I could have stayed all evening just hearing stories from her dad, jokes from her grandmother, and getting hugs from her sweet mom.

After dinner, we headed to church again, this time at The Mount. It was a great time of worship in song and scripture in a more intimate setting, AND they have a coffee/tea intermission between music and the message. Brilliant. I was reminded that evening of the relentless love with which God loves me, and it was so good for my soul and heart.

That night we sat around chatting about tattoos and how I didn't want to leave the next day. Jarah also had an existential crisis whilst trying to choose between her bags. This was a direct quote I tweeted from that experience: "'I really love my new Timbuk2 bag but I'm too attached to my northface backpack...' #whitegirlproblems"

The next morning we woke up and headed back to Great Harvest, per my request, for some more delicious baked goodness! But don't worry, we went to a yoga class after to counteract it.

9th and 9th district

This whole day we were both a little pouty and trying to deny the inevitable of me getting on a plane that afternoon. After yoga, we got cleaned up for one last hurrah. Jarah introduced me to beauty that is Cafe Rio. Their pork salad is unlike anything I've ever tasted, and I ate the whole thing! Not that there was ever any doubt. It was so good, and I've found myself craving it over the past week.

We ended the trip with pedicures, and then it was off the airport to say goodbye and part ways.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I did not want to leave, and I seriously considered staying. Every time we walked out of a building I was surprised that the mountains were still there and as majestic as ever. I've said this 1 billion times already, but it really was the perfect time with a dear friend in an amazing location.

"Here is the hospitality which forever indicates heroes...here are the roughs and beards and space and ruggedness and nonchalance that the soul loves."
-Walt Whitman