Sister's Retreat 2009

 

The long awaited for 'Sister's Retreat' has come and gone.  I learned that looking forward to a vacation is just as therapeutic as the vacation itself.  And this little retreat within my home proved it to be true.  Best time of the year is when I get to spend 3 full days with all my sisters!  We started this tradition in 1996, I believe, and almost every year we've kept it up.  We usually head off to some remote location without our husbands or kids and just enjoy ourselves and each other.  This year was a little different for me since it's the first time we've done it since I've had kids.  (I was pregnant with Jackson during our last retreat.) 

We decided on Oregon this year since it IS the most beautiful place on earth.  Well, that wasn't the only reason why but the most compelling.  Instead of renting a hotel we just stayed at my house which made packing a breeze.  I kept Jackson home too which was the first time a child who wasn't nursing tagged along.  I think Jackson thought he'd died and gone to heaven.  He had so much love and attention that I truly was on vacation. 

Last Sunday evening the girls strolled into Coos and the celebrating began.  If Marisol had been here this would have been one of my favorite years.  We had SO much fun together; we laughed and ate and talked and talked and talked the whole time.  The weather was beautiful (a little chilly for the AZ girls, but sunny none the less.)  We had a picnic at the park, visited the foggy beaches, ate Sushi, house shopped, cooked delicious fish and chips at home, shared fun stories, discussed marriage and kids, hugged, exchanged gifts, shopped, watched Jim Gaffigan (hilarious) and relaxed.

These retreats are always a time to fill my cup and once again it runneth over.  I love these girls like no other; they are my very best friends in every sense of the word.  I'm so lucky to have so many great sisters in my life.  Can't wait for next year!! 

The very first year we had a professional photographer document the occasion.  This year I had my good friend Leslie Barnts (www.classicimagesandportraits.com) take our pics just for fun.  The photos below are from Steph's camera as we are still waiting for the professional ones. 

 

We all bought starfish charms for a fun souvenir.

  

I have a "Sister's Quote"calendar on my desk and this was the quote for the day everyone left. . . . so true and so fitting for our last day.