Overnight Retreat

      One of my favorite traditions in December is to get together with some of my closest friends for dinner and exchange Christmas gifts.  This has been our custom for years; and each year I worry if our tradition will continue on since life has taken us in different directions.  I feel really fortunate though to have such committed friends who are willing to travel great distances to keep our traditions alive!  For the past two years now, Shannon has made arrangements to fly into Portland for an overnight retreat.  It's exciting to not only get together with these friends, but to stay in a hotel room without distractions.  It is the best slumber party ever!!  And this year was no exception.  We shopped, we ate at a nice restaurant, we stayed up late talking, Jenn and I exchanged foot rubs ... and that was just the first night!  The second day included breakfast at IHOP, then back to our hotel room for our gift exchange, more shopping, an early dinner at Roythai and pedicures for everyone.  We even managed to navigate the extremely icy roads unscathed.  I am so grateful for these wonderful ladies in my life!  I am always uplifted and inspired by them and hope that we can keep this tradition alive for many more years to come!