Where to even begin . . . .
There is so much to show and tell and share. So much beauty and fun and so many memories.
I guess I'll start with my reunion with my friends. I drove alone from Vegas and they drove together from Oregon. I started the day out in a ball of nerves . . . anxious to see them, to get through the 8 hour drive on my own, and to be reunited.
mojave desert * pumping gas in Bakersfield * my passengers, not so chatty
I had been at the house a few hours when they pulled in close to 9pm. I waited out in the dark, with my flashlight and jumped up and down when I saw them coming down the driveway. Really, truly is this happening??!
It was just so wonderful to be together again with my girls!
We spent a lot of time helping with the preparations for the party. And in between party stuff we found moments to lay on the hammock, ride the new Razors, take a trip to the mini mart down the road for sodas, dip our toes in the pool, observe all the crazy wildlife (turkeys, bats, lizards, etc.). One morning we took a 2 mile walk around the property and one evening we went on a night walk to the tree house. In the evenings we gathered in our pajamas and visited while Nicole & Jenn exchanged foot massages. We talked about parenting, eternal life, abundance, moving adjustments, changes, . . . . but really, we just laughed a lot.
Obstacle courses * Outies * Things that fly! * Mis-dialed phone numbers * just to name a few . . .
One of the most memorable parts of the weekend (there are a lot) came friday night after the big work day. Our group gathered with Heidi & her sisters & mom, Becca & her friend Allison, for a little party down at the lake. We roasted hot dogs, propped our tootsies up by the fire, rode the paddle-boats, listened to the wildlife (geese & beavers), and just enjoyed each other's company.
Then my mom pulled out a surprise. She thought it would be fun to send off floating lanterns like they do in the movie Tangled or for celebrations in Thailand. But they're illegal in California (fire hazard) so she found the next best thing. Floating lotus flowers with a candle inside that we could send off on the lake. (And they are biodegradable, if you were worried.)
Cue the chorus of "Awww's".
Picture this . . . . dusk on the lake.
We gather on the dock.
And listen to beautiful music as Paige sings "At Last I see the Light."
We all join in for the chorus. And repeat a second time.
Voices pause here and there and eyes well up with tears. Friends huddle closer.
Each one kneels on the dock and sends their candle on the water, making a wish.
Such a special moment. A memory I will never forget. A few of stayed on the dock and just sat, enjoying the quiet night air, the feelings of the moment, soaking in the moonlight and pointing out the wishing star.
My wish? That we would be friends forever.
The next day was wonderful as well, but I'll get to the details of the party later. It was just so nice to be with my friends again, to feel at home (not only because we were at my parents' home, but also because I with people who know me), and to see the way my parents love my friends too (their daughters for the weekend).
It makes me feel so very blessed.
The last time we did this trip together, we spent the last hour of the drive home listing all the memories we had made, "Because of this trip . . . " We did this again. Although, I was home by then cuddling next to Scott and they were still on the road. We conversed over text messages and I couldn't stop smiling and laughing, pinching myself for what a wonderful reunion we had had this weekend.
After our tearful good-bye early on Sunday morning they drove away and I walked back to the front door of my parents' house. The welcome mat has the words Happy Day printed on it. I looked down and couldn't help but smile and once again feel so lucky to have spent a happy fun weekend with my best friends.
Love these girls!
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The Vintage Spring Sorbet was a spring event held on April 28th in Catheys Valley, California. A bundle of vintage fun, color, and beauty with music performed by Mindy Gledhill. And of course plenty of sorbet. Everyone left inspired, lifted up, and with happy hearts!
Read more about the event HERE
