Epic.

I am not sure how to start this post except to say... 

I CAN'T WAIT TO TURN 40!

One of our closest friends, Brian, turned 40 on Monday.   Four couples went on a "Mystery Trip" with him to celebrate.  It was the Most. Fun. Party. Ever.  (next to our wedding - ha!)

After a very early morning start and long drive across the state, we left Odessa in style for  a two-hour flight to...

[drum roll, please]

Telluride!

We arrived in Montrose and laughed and laughed for the short drive to Telluride past Ralph Lauren's ranch.

We checked in to a private 4-bedroom condo with this view and 60 degree temps.  I die.

Night one was fun with a casual dinner out, lots of laughs, and plenty of wine.  The guys played golf on Friday while the ladies lunched and explored the town.

Me, Chessy [Gonzales] Madison, Reagan, and Katy Andre

Did I mention there were lots of laughs? ;) And lots of vodka.

We stayed up in Mountain Village and enjoyed the gondola rides up the mountain and then back down the other side into town.  

Chessy and me

Katy, Reagan, and me in town.  We spent a lot of the day at the local farmer's market, and then walked main street. I mean, seriously, what town's main street has this view?!  And that was even with low cloud-cover and rain.

The guys apparently loved golf. They don't love selfies, so this is the only proof I have they played at Telluride Golf Club.

Brian W., Chris, Brian M., Mike

Friday night was a fancy dinner on the town.  Lots of laughs, wine, delicious food... are you catching the theme here?

Mike and I have been running ragged (and mostly separately because of work and kids) this summer.  This was as much a needed break for us as it was a time to celebrate B-Law. I am very, very thankful for this handsome stud.

We rode up the gondola with Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul Green.  Apparently we are all trying to escape the Texas heat. 

Saturday, the guys fly fished (the first time for all of them) on the Dolores River.  All had fun, and the birthday boy actually caught a trout.  I could have showed them all up having been fly fishing in Chama numerous times growing up, but instead I was at the spa! 

Just beautiful!

The boys came back at noon, and all 8 of us enjoyed lunch and laying out by the pool. Did I mention we are near 40? No bathing suit photos.

Saturday night, Chris, Chessy, and I cooked up the farmers' market finds (grass-fed beef filets, zucchini and onion, fresh-baked rosemary and potato bread toasted with butter and goat cheese, fresh greens with grilled peaches, goat cheese, and dressing from the Telluride Olive Oil company) for dinner.  Old Man Whytlaw even got to blow out a candle over a brownie, truffles, and fruit.

We call Brian the "Camp Director" because he always plans and keeps us on track.  Katy had these shirts made up for all of us - AWESOME! Camp Director Whytlaw and his Campers.

Brian chartered a plane for us for the weekend, so we rode home in style. Though the trip home seemed longer and hotter... 

It is truly a blessing when your best friend marries a man who is one of your good friends and turns out to be one of your husband's best friends.  Then to travel with the Andres and the Madisons on top of that is like icing on the cake. Happy birthday, Brian, and thank you.  You are one of the greatest guys I know, and your generosity and spirit are unmatched.

Finally, a shout-out to my mom and Jim for coming all the way to East Texas to keep the boys for us.  Pics and videos from their adventures will come in another post.  We are truly grateful for their time so we could enjoy a long weekend away. 

xoxo, Lindsay