On very snowy Friday, December 7^th, we headed off to the Omaha area for our first annual Plane Dames Planning Retreat. Since Atchison, Kansas was just a small diversion in our route, we decided our first stop would be Nell Hill’s. We were not disappointed as Nell Hill’s was all decked out for the holidays and since it was snowing very steadily, those large fluffy looking flakes, it was like being in a Christmas card. After a successful time shopping and lunch at the Pumpernickel Café we continued on. The weather was not any hindrance to driving but made for beautiful views all along the way. We arrived at the Lodge in Mahoney State Park (about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln) after dark so didn’t get the full impact of the beautiful topography until the next day. Saturday we headed to the Strategic Air Museum (SAC) located less than a mile from the park. It is a very impressive building that seems like something you would see in the heart of a city not farmland. We had no idea that we just happened to pick the Saturday that Santa was coming to the museum and anyone who wanted to could get a picture taken with him in the cockpit of their FB-111. Of course we jumped on that opportunity! However Santa didn’t come alone, he was escorted in by a squadron of Star Wars Storm Troopers and they were later joined by their leader, Darth Vader. The little kids there were extremely excited, although keeping their distance from Darth. It is a fantastic museum with several very rare planes and a two story window view into the working restoration hangar--very much worth the trip there. We spent the remainder of Saturday making plans, bouncing ideas, etc. for Plane Dames. Sunday morning after a great Cracker Barrel comfort breakfast and more shopping (75% off Christmas décor!) we made our way back to Kansas City on nice, clear highways. It was a very productive and fun weekend. Go to Kodachromes to see more pictures from the trip.