Here’s our (ok, my version) story:

Thursday we headed out at 3:15.  I use that time because it really was 3:15pm.  My goal was to leave by then because I was somewhat worried about getting up there and setting up and establishing our “camp” before it got dark. I may have seemed a little anxious and nervous about leaving on time but driving the ladies, pulling the trailer and dealing with the dark DID just that-made me nervous.

When we arrived at the Payson RV Campground we were disappointed to see snow that couldn’t decide if it wanted to be snow or hail.  It was like white fluffy hail-that STUCK to the ground.  It was FREEZING (to put it lightly) and we would have been hooked up and on our way to dinner where it was nice and warm but the water would not come out of the sinks.  I have hooked up the trailer many times but I started to doubt all that I knew about it.  We called in the campground host, Jim, for further assistance.  He was kind and patient and just as stumped as I was.  We checked everything and it turned out to be calcium build up at the screen so the water would not come through.  By the way, my dear friend and NON-camper, Gabrielle, was the one with sink and tool knowledge who knew just how to take the facet apart and clear our problem.  Man, she doesn’t camp (or doesn’t love to) but she knows her way around a facet and some tools!  We cleared that and we were finally set (and gave some cookies to Jim for all his help and suggestions).

For our first dinner, we enjoyed some food at the Buffalo Bar & Grill where we ate delicious meals and laughed at karaoke night.  Some of us ended up singing a Bob Marley song just so we could say we sang! When we went back to camp, the trailer was very cold.  I plugged in the heated mattresses, cranked up the heater and buried myself in my sleeping bag and slept sounding for the night.  I am sure those in the campground wondered what a bunch of ladies were doing camping by themselves. 

Friday morning we grilled and made some breakfast burritos and fruit salad.  Then, we had 3 of the 7 ladies do their prepared lesson/devotional/class.  I loved the open conversation and the thought provoking comments and discussion.  I was motivated to make some changes and inspired to evaluate my life.  The remainder of the day was relaxing as we stayed bundled, ate great food, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Saturday morning we made some whole wheat pancakes with coconut syrup and kiwi, more fruit salad and eggs.  OK, yes, the weekend was also about food but is it ever NOT about food when I go somewhere?  After breakfast the 4 remaining devotionals were given and again I was inspired and thought about ways to change.

Sunday we packed up, visited the Cafe 260 for a hearty breakfast and headed home in the downpour.  It was a perfect time to go.  : )

I am so grateful for such incredible friends.  I am grateful for a warm cozy trailer.  I am grateful for campfires, camp grills, and running water.  I am grateful for blankets, socks and thermal underwear!  I am grateful for AZ and its beauty with mountains and snow just 1.5 hours away.  I am grateful for reclining camp chairs and delicious sugar cookies.  I am grateful for the opportunity to rejuvenate, rethink, reprioritize and repent.  I am grateful for duffle bags, Red Vines, and a Snuggie. 

Thank you ladies for joining in and making it a memorable TTWC.  Hopefully it will be the first of many!

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)

For records sake, I really was there… see me in the corner over there?  Thanks to mirrors!  I can not do self pics with that thing-too heavy and awkward! OH, should I be worried about wrinkled left eye?  It is always squinting when I have my camera, which is pretty much always.

I am grateful for tripods, windows and flashes.  I am grateful for silliness, black (a supposed slenderizing color) and new friends.  I am grateful for soups, rolls and treats.  I am grateful for my camera, taking me through this life and all my experiences that I want to remember!

Happy Holidays!