May 31st.......The Long Road Home

 

 A morning of dragging feet as we all packed up, reloaded the rv, cleaned the condo and took a few quick pictures down at the lake.  We knew that we would be back in the next few weeks to laze on the beach but we all felt a strong sense that we would never be at this exact place in time again.  Home and families awaited us but behind us lay the stuff that legends are made of....the trip of a lifetime, memories not to be forgotten and the words all parents love to hear, "Mom, when are we going on another trip?"

 

leaving glorious Tahoe

 

Packing up and heading out for the last time this trip,,,,

Sweetbriar Condo on Lake Tahoe

 

...on the road again.....



See you at home!!

 

crossing the mountains of Tahoe

 

 

 

 

Lunch in Roseville with Pam's parents



As we drove that final leg of our trip, a strange pall settled over us.  We made two final stops in Fairfield at tour sites (Jellybelly and Budweiser) not wanting the trip to be over.  While we were excited to arrive home, each one of us had feelings of sadness.  It was the end of something epic.  We reflected on the funny parts of the trip and each one of the kids shared their favorite memories.  Entering the homestretch, Pam turned on "Life is a Highway" and we all sang the lyrics loudly .  Awaiting us as we entered the driveway and crossed the finish line, were welcome home banners, race flags, friends and family, hugs, and a fabulous CAKE!  Our husbands had arranged a welcome home party.   What a sweet way to end our fabulous adventure!



LIFE IS A HIGHWAY.....I WANT TO RIDE IT ALL NIGHT ALONG



 

heading down the homestretch......



......as we rounded the corner we were
 surprised to see a WELCOME HOME party!!!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 





crossing the finish line......we are HOME


 

love messages from our friends and family



 

 

Celebrating a trip well done with my travel buddy

our friend Jami made us the most FABULOUS cake




 Are you kidding??  We are whackos... ..we jumped in the back to get a little more info onto our blogs........
Just can't stay away from out little bedroom space!!!!!

Yes we did shop on this trip!!!  We brought home many keepsakes

This was my bedroom for the trip.......


 



As we unloaded just the important things from the rv that night, I had a few tears for it to be over.  It almost felt like mourning the end of something great.  After spending 3 months together, I was sad to think of not seeing Pam and the girls the next day.  Of course, we were excited to see Tim, Dave and the doggies, to share all of our treasures from the trip and tell of all of the adventures but life responsibilities and LAUNDRY awaited!!  Ah, reality.  Pam and I hugged and made a plan to finish unloading and cleaning the rv over the next few days.  I know that this will not be the last trip I share with her and her family.  I praise God for our friendship and the gift that He has given us.  I know that this has been a special "once in a lifetime" experience and I will never forget it.

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:4

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.