The people of the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails passed the towering natural landmarks of the North Plate River on their way to the western frontier.

Join us for a family Christmas gathering in
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, December 27-29, 2008
Hosted by Amy & Nathan

Family Portrait
PROOFS

Location
Scottsbluff is located in the panhandle of Nebraska 18 miles from the Wyoming border.  Highway 71 goes through Scottsbluff and it's sister town Gering, heading north and south. Highways 26 & 92 head into the area from the east.

LINKS: Scottsbluff Tourism  |  Google Map   |  Chamber of Commerce
              Scottsbluff/Gering Map  [PDF]   |  Street Map  [PDF]

Google Travel Maps: 7.5 hrs from Blair  | 7.25 hrs from Grand Junction |  4.5 hrs from Burlington

Lodging & Retreat Center   
We will be staying at the "Trails West:  YMCA Camp" in Scottsbluff.  There are four suites, each consisting of a common sitting room and two sleeping rooms.  All eight sleeping rooms contain a queen-sized bed, two bunk beds and a private bathroom for each room.  All towels and bedding are provided.  The rooms are within just steps of the Fliesbach Retreat Center which features a large banquet room and a full kitchen with range, microwave, refrigerator,  ice maker, coffee maker and the typical "church kitchen" equipment.

Thanks Mom
A big THANK YOU goes to Mom for covering the expense for our lodging and retreat center.
Please note, that the YMCA does not permit alcohol or tobacco.  You are welcome to read the contract for the other rules and regulations of the retreat center.

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 Map   |  www.trailswestymca.org  |   Video of Retreat Center

Trails West YMCA Camp -- 1918 S. Belting Hwy West  -- Office:  (308) 632-5705  Cell:  (308) 641-4582
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Schedule  (all times are local Mountain Time)

Saturday, December 27

3:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. . . . . Arrival & check-in

6:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Christmas Supper
                                                Chicken & noodles, buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes & cranberry salad

7:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trail Swap Gift Exchange (a.k.a. Chinese Christmas)

8:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birthday Party for those celebrating during the Holiday Season
                                                Christine (Dec. 12), Dawn (Dec. 31), Jason (Jan. 3) &  Nathan (Jan 5)

8:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Games
                                                

Sunday, December 28

8:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast
                                                  Æbleskiver with apples and sausage compote

10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Family Photo Portrait  See details here.

12:00 noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light Lunch
                                                  Sandwiches, deli meat & chips

1:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tour of Carhenge at Alliance,
                                                   Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock at Bridgeport
                                                   and Chimney Rock National Historic Site                         [see area map]

3:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scotts Bluff National Monument  ($5.00 per vehicle)

4:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head for the Summit of  the Monument  (Summit Shuttle)

4:31 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunset on the summit

5:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soup Supper
                                                 Beef Barley soup & Chili with homemade applesauce fritters.

6:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Cookie tasting & exchange

7:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Games

Monday, December 29

6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.. . . . . . . Depart
                                                    Coffee served, but on your own for breakfast.
 

What to Bring

• 2 small wrapped gifts per person for the Trail Swap Gift Exchange

• Your preferred beverage. Coffee & water will be provided.
  (Sorry the YMCA does NOT allow alcohol on the premises.)

• Clothing for family portrait .  See details here.

• Christmas cookies or sweets

Nathan & Amy will bring:  table ware, large cast iron roaster, Æbleskiver pan, kitchen towels.
Conference Center will supply:  All kitchen equipment, serving dishes, all bed linens and towels.
 

• Bring homemade noodles     Mildred      
• Birthday Cake      Christine    
• Provide Saturday Christmas Dinner   Amy & Nathan
• Provide Sunday Morning Æbleskiver breakfast     Sherry & Nathan    
• Provide Sunday noon lunch of sandwiches, deli meat & chips    Stan, Dawn & Family 
• Make Chili      Christine    
• Make Beef Barley soup     Sherry & Larry    
• Fry Applesauce fritters   Amy & Nathan
• Bring CD player for music    Chris   

Suite 1
    Room A:  Stan & Dawn
    Room B:  Stephanie
Suite 2
   Room C:  Sherry & Larry
   Room D:  Ryan & Chris  (bed & bunk bed)
Suite 3
   Room E:  Mom
   Room F:  Nathan & Amy
Suite 4
   Room G:  Steve & Christine
   Room H:  Byron & Jason  (bed & bunk bed)