Camp GetAway

"So how was camp?", my sweet hubby asks me as I walk in the door after my 3-day weekend. I think that the lazy grin on my face and spring in my step told him all he needed to know. Camp was PERFECT!

For those of you who don't know... I spent this past weekend up in the mountains at my second Camp GetAway - a mother's retreat and I can tell you right now that I will be heading back for a third time in September!

You get up to the mountains and are surrounded by trees and fresh air and it's easier to smile--even the littlest things make you laugh. And hey, if you've ever been handed a tin of pizza-slice-shaped chocolate within the first few minutes of arriving anywhere, you know everything is going to be A-O-K!! I was already a fan of this chocolate after finding it at Trader Joe's, so being handed a tin by the Camp GetAway staff at the registration table... a tin I wouldn't have to share with my darling chocoholic children... that's when you know you're really on your own and can just enjoy yourself with abandon!

I took my gear to the cabin and watched as all the other moms and groups of girlfriends arrived. Local campers from all over California and far-away travelers from Nebraska, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada, were all here with the same goals in mind. No cooking, cleaning, diaper changing and work. Yes to sleepin' in, s'more makin', facials, mani/pedis, yoga and crafts! And how can you not relax when the views in every direction are peaceful and gorgeous and picture perfect?!!

The first night was a welcome mixer with fun get-to-know-you games and a delicious lasagna with a blonde brownie cookie bar for dessert. Since I have been preparing my munchkins birthday party (this weekend), I have been beyond exhausted, so I retired at the late late hour of 9:30 and caught up on some much needed sleep. Others (my mom included) stayed up to play games, watch Chick Flicks and veg out by the enormous lodge fireplace.

Saturday, I had the nerve to sleep in but still had time to take a relaxing shower (without any kids at my feet and poking my belly!) before breakfast.

Just like when you sang songs at camp as a child, Camp GetAway's Fearless Leader Patti, lead us in songs as well-- the mommy versions of songs! Mellow songs like "On Top of Spaghetti" and risque ones like "Do Your Boobs Hang Low?"had us grinning from ear to ear and laughing our collective tushies off! I drank yummy cup after cup of tea while pondering what to do for the day. Tie-dying? Making frames? Roundtable discussions? Hiking? Bookmark making? A class on looking good in photos?

I ended up sitting by the fire crocheting for a little while and met a wonderful mother who came up with a group of fellow Marine wives and moms from Camp Pendleton for a much needed girlfriend retreat. We talked about our kids and all other sorts of things and found out we had a lot in common. Each person I met enriched my day and made my whole experience that much more memorable.

I snuck up to my cabin for a quick nap (can you see a theme here?) and read for a while on the sunny deck before the evening festivities... a 70's themed party! Ladies came decked out braless and in bell-bottoms, spandex, beads and braids, Farrah hair, Saturday Night Fever getups and more. It was so much fun that my cheeks started hurting from all the smiling and laughing! Even some of the more reserved ladies started letting loose and joined in the hip hop dance session followed by a belly-dancing class. I pooped out by 11 but I know that the karaoke that followed was pretty crazy and many a camper did not come to bed until the wee hours of the morning!

Sunday crept up on me too fast! I strolled down to breakfast and watched other campers trickle in and reminisce about the night before. We sang more fun songs like "Camp GetAway Family" sung to the Addams Family Theme song. I won't give the whole thing away, but it starts out like this: come on, sing along with me as I type it!!

Da da da dum (snap snap!)

Da da da dum (snap snap!)

Da da da dum

Da da da dum

Da da da dum (snap snap!)

I traveled 'cross the highways,

And made it thru the byways,

I'm in the land of MY ways,

Camp GetAway for me!

Sorry that's all you get for now! I exchanged emails and phone numbers with some truly wonderful ladies and in a flash, the awards ceremony was over and we were preparing to leave. I waved goodbye to my mini-retreat-in-the-mountains yelling out the car window "See you soon!!"

Now, let me tell you why I'm writing such a long blog about this. I like to share great finds with my fellow bloggers, friends, mommies-- whoever it is who ends up reading this. My mom found this camp through her friend and she told me about it and I'm telling you about it.

If you're lucky enough to find the time to go... GO! Go by yourself, go with a friend or group of friends, go with your mom... just make it a point to give yourself some me-time. And, if you happen to go by yourself, you might end up in a private "suite" (as I call them). This one to the right has a faux fireplace! Is this cool or what?!!

Also, I think I "get" my mom a little more now, and she gets me. A nice little bonus from being up there.

This camp is owned, operated and staffed by some pretty wonderful women! The ladies who organize Camp GetAway genuinely care about those who attend and are tirelessly very giving of themselves for every single minute they are there. They also care about what you think and are always asking for feedback on how to improve and make the most out of the weekend.

My mom and I are hoping to get my hubby's sister and mother to come with us in September. Even luckier will be if my sister-in-law (my brothers' wonderful new bride) and her mom come as well. I'd love to see any one of you who reads this to come to! I'll bring the chocolate!!