the Groves Girls... hitting the road!

I'm not sure when, exactly, we decided to take this road trip.  It was definitely a last minute deal.  I had several obligations this week, but when I thought it through, I felt as though I could get them all handled with my team.  I have an unreal team!!  With MMPT, leaders are in place, and have been well-trained to take over daily operations and run the company exactly how I'd have them do it.  As always in leadership, the buck stops with me.  So, if I don't feel they are capable, I don't leave!  With this group, it is quite the opposite.  They have my back, and I have theirs!

With MoJoy, Suzy is now at the helm, and she runs the show like it is her own!  I like that.  She and Brian have attended every speaking engagement I have been to this year, so they know my style, my process, and are capable of carrying out duties when I am out of town.  We are a fabulous team of three! So... that was covered too.  (This week I had three!)

I try to teach other businesses how to operate without a "one" person in charge.  Leadership is a multi-tiered thing.  It is very cool to know that I have several levels in place at MMPT, and so there is always someone ready and willing to step up and accept the challenge of leading. 

I realize from watching all of my friends suffering from a very impending empty nests syndrome, that that day is coming for me too!  And so, while I have my kids, I want to make lots and lots of memories.  I want them to remember a childhood of all kinds of adventures.

And of course, I want Ellie Sue to remember taking these adventures comfortably!  haha.  (DIVA!)

First stop... IHOP... in West Monroe.  We had someone we needed to see!

Mary Allison was in town from LSU.  It seems like lately every time she comes to town, we are leaving.  And we just about can't stand that!!  My girls miss their big sissy!

On the trip down, there are some critical stops.  The DQ is one of them!!  And this one had a big screen tv with cartoons on it!  I am talking BONUS!  WE needed that right about hour 6 or so.

And when we see the tunnel, we know we are almmmooooost there!!  This is in Mobile, AL.

When we got to the condo, JinJin had left an Easter surprise!!

She and her sisters had been down here the week before, so she left the condo all clean and nice, and best of all, she left prizes!!

Her Easter baskets are big time!!  The girls got new clothes, pampering goodies, sketch pads, Ulta gift cards!!, and of course, candy.

Photo bomb!

This was the view when we arrived.  And there was a live band at the middle pool, so it was even more perfect.

The moon has been like this just about every night that we have been here.

Of course, we weren't going to drive 7-8 hours and NOT get in the pool when we got here!!  After all, this would constitute the first outdoor swim of the year!

I was happy to indulge them.  After all, the poolside bar was still kicking!

So... here we start another new adventure.  I am working on my art retreat details.  If you want more info, and a video shot by me, go to mojoystudio.com and scroll to the bottom.  You can add your email address there to get what is going to soon be biweekly newsletters. You can also hit the top photo and register for the retreat.  We'll be talking about gratitude, joy, a balanced life, and making all kinds of great projects... a custom journal, a canvas, learning lettering, and multiple pieces of jewelry.

If you've been thinking of coming, that urge is something you shouldn't resist.  Just like this trip!!  Recently I read, I NEVER REGRET IT WHEN I DO IT, BUT I ALWAYS REGRET IT WHEN I DON'T!  Come on to Louisiana on May 1-3!!  It's gonna be a great weekend.

MO