This past weekend I ran away… with some dear friends.  I ended up in Branson, Missouri. : )  It was my first appearance in Missouri and I must say that it is quite beautiful.  The weather was perfect, the sky was clear and the residents were so friendly.  I have a friend in Missouri-I met her while living in my last neighborhood.  She and her husband moved from AZ to Vegas then to Branson.  He has a show in Branson called Six and it was AWESOME!  They are an acapella group and it is just cool.  Watch and see!  It is pretty much amazing what they can create for percussion!  Anyhow, we saw things like purple trees!  turtles on the side of the road!  family run cafes!  We did some shopping and running around town taking note of all the things we wished we had on our “to do” list.  I felt like a teenager as we stayed up til 2:00am (or talked all night-heard the birds sing and finally went to bed when the sun was shining) and slept til 10:00am.  It was fantastic to be on vacation!  Thank you Nicole for having us!  Thanks for sharing your home with us and letting us laugh with you.  Thanks for all the delicious meals including that dang funnel cake (which I couldn’t believe I was eating).

Our last day in Branson, we decided to play with the camera.  I handed it over more often then normal but I quickly learned that I should give a quick run down on composition since one of our first pictures taken by a stranger was mostly above our heads.  It was funny to see the results!  We practiced our synchronized jump and couldn’t get it so synchronized with the self timer.  That was hilarious in itself!  It has been a long time since I laughed as hard as I did in Branson.  I think all my laughing provided good exercise for calorie burning activities (because yes, I really did eat a funnel cake)!  WE are going to try and meet every year in a different state since we all live (will be living come July) in a different state.  Nicole-Branson, Amber-Arizona, Sage-Utah, me-Washington (freaky).  And holy cow, my sunglasses are HUGE.  Nothing like a good laugh for my kids!

Checking in with our families was a daily routine.  Everything was completely under control (I am sure of it) but we liked the assurance.  Amber’s face might say differently but her kids and her husband were having a grand time without her.  ; )

Amber bought us all matching rings.  I definitely did not qualify for friend of the year-I did not come bearing gifts.  Also, please notice that my nails are hiding-my stubs were nothing to show.  I do however love my new ring!

What a wonderful weekend!  Thanks to these gals for the good times, good laughter, (no sleep) and good friendship.  (Thanks Nicole for all the great shows too)