Well we woke up Sunday morning knowing it was the last day of the reunion. Horrible feeling really knowing that everything wonderful about the reunion was soon to be no more. But we crawled out of our beds and got ready and headed off to the mess hall for breakfast. Then we went back to our dorms to pack up. I helped load up the van. All that experience helping Daddy load up the camping gear payed off. Especially now that we had more luggage to pack in because a couple more girls were joining us for the trip home. After that we had our last Hymn Sing.
Then we trekked down to the Bear Claw one last time for the closing ceremony. *frowns* I didn't want it to end. It was a strange feeling, part of me wanted this to go on and part of me was ready to go home. But we still had a little time left together and that was solace enough. Next we ate lunch. One last meal of some of the best campfood in the world with some of my favorite people in the world. After that we milled about saying our goodbyes and taking pictures with our friends.
people saying their goodbyes in front of the dining hall
Before we knew it it was time to leave. We piled into the van and set off, on our way to Garden of the Gods where quite a few of the reunion goers were going to spend a little extra time. It was supposed to take us about 30 minutes to get there, but due to construction and the effect on traffic it took us about an hour and a half. Creeping and crawling our way along we were able to carry on a couple of conversations with other HSAers in their cars next to us. One of the girls even took a nap in the back seat. And much to my astonishment, I learned that the Paul sisters knew the Willie Nelson song "On the Road Again." Just as a joke I sung the only lyrics I knew, "On the road again...." and they took off and sang the whole song! *laughs* I wish I had a picture of the shocked expression on my face.
We finally arrived at Garden of the Gods and were glad to get out and stretch our legs. Wow! What a view! We were not able to explore much of the park due to time constraints, but that is a place I would like to see again. It was absolutely incredible to see these huge red rocks. So much to see, all the varied shapes and textures of the rocks, it was a gorgeous scene.
yours truly at Garden of the Gods
Let the homeschool invasion begin! We set off as a group on one of the trails and stopped part way into the park to explore and wander about in one of the rock groupings. We stayed there for a while actually, and our carpool group didn't go in any further because we had to leave. *sighs* Stupid clock and schedule.
a few of the carpool girls and other friends
more people, including some of the Naylors and Noel in that adorable red hat
Pretty soon the van and Justin's cranky car were back on the road. Back to Kansas and Iowa and Arkansas and Missouri. We got in really late to Erin and Amber's and snuck downstairs to the basement. Oh wow, did sleep feel good that night. Thanks to a dark basement we were able to sleep in the next day. Got up and dragged ourselves upstairs for breakfast. The girls had made scones! Yum! We called Justin to see how he was doing. His car refused to start after we got a bite to eat before we made it out of Colorado. He was fine and getting the car worked on that morning. I called my parents to let them know they could start driving up to get me.
Last time in the carpool van as we made our way to Salina where they would drop me off. Said our last goodbyes and we went our seperate ways. We didn't get very far before I realized I had left my expo box and Keen shoes in the van. Too late! Oh well, I knew who had them and could get them back in little while. Home bound now and it felt good.
I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend with my homeschool family! All the wonderful memories, blessings, and fellowship I will cherish for the rest of my life. And it is my firm belief that roadtrips are the best!
Now, as promised, here are the links to the videos from the reunion.
If A Bear Is Running At You Clap Your Hands - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p5DfnyhmRk
And the dance off - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLak10jw82Q
Enjoy! And you have my permission to roll on the floor laughing.
