Last weekend I had the opportunity to host 4 of my close friends from our Vancouver days right here in Idaho. Shelley already got a blog up filled with great photos and a recap of what we did, but I suppose a write up from the hostess’s point of view is in order as well.

6 months ago we started planning this weekend- much like our trip to Boonville, MO 2 years ago. Early in the discussion Idaho came up as a destination, more specifically, my family’s cabin at Warm Lake. I can’t even describe how excited I was about this and found myself daydreaming about this weekend on long dreary winter days when the things before me weren’t quite as fun. See- while I have some good friends from college, and from life here in Boise now, my Vancouver girls are incomparable. The depths of these friendships is unlike anything I’ve ever known. And while we can be very deep, boy can we also be shallow!! We took those friendships and combined it with a place that is part of my very soul- the family cabin at Warm Lake.

Ever since I was a a wee babe I have been coming here with my family. And now Josh and I have had the privilege of bringing our own girls here- and they love it. I can’t even tell you how many hours I’ve spent floating on the lake, or picking huckleberries, or playing games around the dining table while eating popcorn out of those cool colorful metal bowls. I also spent one of the scariest nights of my childhood in that cabin. And we left the cabin in August 2007 as ash from a nearby fire was falling on us. That fire grew and threatened the entire Warm Lake area. The damage was devastating. But the cabin and the lake survived as an oasis. And I suppose that’s what the cabin has always felt like- an oasis, a refuge.  When Josh and I were there in July with the girls we went on a hike that I often did as a kid. We went for the same drive we always do. And it was then that I realized (again, perhaps?) how much a part of me the cabin is. I am so thankful to my family- my Great Grandma Amy and Great Aunt Lois- for making such a priceless investment. What a treasure.

So now you have the lead up- favorite girls + favorite place. I could hardly handle the concept. Waiting at the airport was kind of hilarious. I was like a little teenager waiting to see my best friends from summer camp or something. Katie arrived and we squealed and hugged and made a scene.

Then came Shannon. And we squealed and hugged and made a scene.

Then came Jess. (I think you know what happened next….)

And finally Shelley. Squeal. “She’s wearing a dress!” Hug. Scene.

End Scene.

We headed out on the town for some food and drinks and enjoyed being together.

The next morning we loaded up the van and headed out of town. (With a quick stop at Target first, of course)

We arrived at the cabin and got settled in. The girls got the hang of it all in no time. I know that relaxing on a dock and floating around a lake can be cumbersome, but they seemed to figure it out. They’re smart girls.

We also managed to eat pretty well, if I do say so myself.

The weekend was precious and often times “magical.” I’ve told people since that we swung back and forth between acting like 14 year olds at a slumber party to having the kinds of grown-up conversations none of us were ready for. We seamlessly moved in and out of laughter, tears, silence, prayer, grief, dancing, singing and more laughter. The freedom, safety and space to be so honest and silly (while in a bathing suit or matching hoodies) does not come often enough and must be relished.

Girls, I love you dearly and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be with you last weekend. You are a gift to me.