Mom's Weekend Away

I spent this weekend in Clear Lake, IA with five of my dearest and longest-known girlfriends. We wanted to get together for a 35th birthday celebration of sorts, a milestone which each of us has celebrated or will soon be celebrating. This trip has been on the books for almost a year, and it lived up to my expectations in every way.

We...
got pedicures
sat on the dock
mixed our own drinks
brainstormed 3-year-old birthday gifts
drank some fruity drinks on a bar patio
played cards
shared photos of our kids
shopped downtown
gave Facebook tutorials
drank some beer
took walks by the lake
ate a steak dinner
played online Price is Right
gazed at the stars
ate birthday cupcakes
slept in
showered without little hands banging on the door

Most of these things have a story attached to them; I can't even begin to tell you how much we laughed. There are also a few other things on the list that I can't tell you, because you know - what happens in Clear Lake, stays in Clear Lake...or possibly Mason City :) Most of the time was spent lounging around and chatting, with a drink typically in hand. I was reminded that every once in awhile it is okay to reconnect with old friends and reminisce...and to remember who I "used" to be, before I was a wife, mom, career woman..and how we have all so successfully transitioned into our chosen roles in life. I was also reminded what an outstanding group of friends I have, and how lucky I am to have these ladies in my life. They know me well, and although we don't see each other as often as we might like, when we do get together it feels like we were just together yesterday. Old memories are sweet, but new memories are even sweeter (and funnier, in some cases!) Love you, ladies!