Pictures from the airplane~
Some of the ladies from the Spellbinders 2008 Design Team~
Ok I'm going to back track here just a little bit. Last Wednesday was the beginning of the retreat in Phoenix, Arizona. Donya (she is one of the DT ladies) and I flew out to Phoenix together. It was really nice to have someone to travel with especially since I hadn't been on a airplane since I was like 19 and trust me that was a loooong time ago! lol! Plus it was a great chance for us to talk and get to know each other. Donya is so much fun!! She is very talented and does some amazing design work and she always has a smile!!
Donya, Sharon (in the back), Sally Lynn~
When we arrived in Phoenix we met up with some of the other ladies from the DT. Once we got our luggage then we headed for the Caron's. When all of the talk about the retreat had started the DT was invited to stay at the Caron's during the retreat or if we would rather we could stay at the hotel. Ten of us stayed at the Caron's and four at the hotel. The first night we had a meet and greet. It was a really nice and relaxing way for all of us to meet and start getting to know each other. They had tons of yummy food, drinks and snacks. The house was full with ladies!! The poor boys! LOL!!! Stacey and Jeff have the cutest little boys and they were so great with all of these women coming in and taking over their home for the week!! Stacey, Jeff and the boys all made us feel so very welcome to be in their home and a part of their fabulous company!!
Stacey & Me~
That night I was so tired but yet so wide awake! I think my head was just spinning thinking about the retreat and trying to take it all in. Wendy and I had beds by each other and we stayed up talking getting to know each other, but it was late and she hadn't had much sleep the night before. I laid there still awake...I heard some of the ladies still up talking in one of the rooms so I went and peaked in and they said come on in. We were all sitting on the bed talking just like one big slumber party.
Theresa, Holly, Sharon, Stacey~
The next morning we were all up early, out the door and to the office by about 8:30. With that many women in the house you have to get up kind of early to all be ready in time to leave. One of the best parts about our day (besides all the fun new goodies) was the food-yummy yummy food!! We were soooooo spoiled!!! You know when your a mom a larger part of your time is spent cooking and cleaning and doing things for your family so to take such a wonderful trip like this and then be so completely spoiled on top of it-it is just pure heaven I tell ya!! *wink* I'll have to share some pictures of the food with you! Besides the terrific meals there was always a ton of goodies to snack on too! After breakfast we started the day. Let the fun and creativity begin!!
Linda & Me~
This was a typical day for us:
Start getting up and getting ready between 5:30-7 am
Leave for the office at 7:45
Get to the office about 8:30 and have breakfast
Start our creative day about 9:00
From then on out the rest of the day was learning new techniques, play time to create, company time (business stuff), the GOODIES giving out all of the products (gotta love that!!!), having some breaks with treats and more yummy food. Every couple of hours or so they would switch it up and do something new and fun. The GOODIES were given out the WHOLE time we were there!!!! OMGosh I can't even begin to tell you how the creativity and excitement flowed through the air!!! Most of are meals were at the office (everything was catered in) and we spent most of our time at the office, from early morning until late into the evening. After we would come back from the office we would all hang out at the house, talking, laughing, having some chocolate and wine and a great time!
Wendy & Me~
While we were there we also had our pictures taken for the DT and our group picture too. We also did some other really fun things while were were there that I hope to be able to share with you all very soon!!
Linda, Jennifer & Wendy~
Our last night that we were all there Stacey and Jeff had a big Luau party with (you guessed it) more wonderful food!! Jeff even made his famous green beans!! They were soooooo yummy!!! They had a wonderful cookout and some of their close friend were also there sharing the evening with all of us. Some of the ladies even enjoyed a little time in the hot tub.
I think the week was enjoyed by all!! What a wonderful group of ladies!! Everyone seemed to get along and mesh really well together, sharing all kinds of creative ideas. Very soon I am going to add links to the ladies on the DT that have blogs so you can all see their amazing design work.
From the window of the airplane~
I hope you have enjoyed the pictures that I have shared! But keep checking back because there is more to come!! I have a lot more pictures to share and something that was a HUGE HUGE SURPRISE for the DT!! I mean really HUGE!!!
Hope you have a great day!!
Smiles!
Heidi
