Harper Girls Weekend

 On Thursday, I left the rainy Pacific Northwest

 and flew to sunny Utah.  All by myself. 

Can I just say that traveling alone is pretty slick?!?  And wonderful.  Especially when you get to go to fabulous Park City and spend two and a half days with these amazing women!

And stay in such a beautiful place.

One morning I went to the fitness room for a run (Wow, my heart was beating fast--Park City's elevation was killing me!) and then went out in the brisk morning air and sat by the fire.  I relished some time all alone, away from the stresses and frenzied pace of real life. 

 But most of the time, I hung out with all the Harper women.

We laughed, cried, shopped, ate good food, soaked in the hot tub until they kicked us out, made a fun project, but mostly had lots of time to talk.  It was fabulous!  I picked their brains on all sorts of topics, hoping to gain wisdom from their collective life and mothering experiences.

Carolee brought this fun project for us to make.  It is a binder with tabs for every month of the year and pockets to put cards in, so we can always be on top of birthdays. Very cute.

 One day we went shopping in picturesque Gardner Village. 

 This is everyone except Jennifer, who hadn't arrived yet, and Cherie, who couldn't make it. 

Elaine, Cristall, Carolee, Sheri, Melodee, Mom, Marianne, Janalyn, Becky

The reason we all got together was to celebrate Mom's 80th birthday.  My mother-in-law is an amazing woman, and I am so grateful to have married into her family.  From the very beginning, she has taken me into the family and shown me continuous love and acceptance.  She is an amazing example of kindness and long suffering.  She has had many trials in her life, yet I have never heard her complain or say anything negative about anyone.  And, she raised 10 wonderful, faithful children.  As a mother of five, I can hardly fathom how she did it.  She is such an example to me and I love her so much!  

This picture made me laugh--we all had our phones out and were texting the pictures we took of Mom blowing out her candles to each other and to our families back home. 

 Then we ate cake and ice cream!

Even though it was Mom's birthday, and we were there to celebrate her, she gave us presents.  She made each of us a beautiful Christmas apron.

 Did I mention that she is amazing?

I had such a great time!  I love my Harper mother and sisters and loved spending time with them.  They are truly some of my most favorite people in the world.  I can't wait until we can do it again. 

Plus, it was really great to come home refreshed to a family that loves me and missed me and is even more grateful now for all that I do for them.  Thanks to David for taking the time off work so I could go.