Family Retreat

Its that time again...and we decided that we would attend our family retreat with our church family this year. Our friends were encouraging us to go, and Isaiah was old enough that we thought he would sleep ok...we later ate our words! Anyway, this is a view of the camp from on top of the cliff. We had this long, steep drive down into the valley, through the river, to get to the cabins!

We had a bundle of activities to choose from...and the weather was absolutely beautiful!

It was so awesome that the Gibbins brought their bikes, and an extra for Ethan, because they were a hot commodity! Isaiah tried out the balance bike, but it didn't last for long.

Time to race...Reef has his game face on!

Isaiah preferred the plasma car.

Ethan had a blast riding the bike! I think its time to get one of his own...

Liam and Isaiah were buds throughout the weekend.

Lachlan

Time for a canoe ride!

And now lunchtime!

Late that afternoon we took a hike, being sure we chose one that it wasn't too strenuous for the kids.

Isaiah, Jonas, Ethan, Reef, and Jayden

Not all the kids wanted to brave the high branch, but we got a few to give it a shot.

Us with mom and dad at the talent show. It was a great show too, the best bit being Bruce's and Sharon's. After the show we went over to the big bonfire to sing. It had been a long day but we wanted the kids to experience that part, and I'm glad we did. Very uplifting and humbling, looking up at the millions of stars in the sky that God gave us, while singing praises to Him. It was beautiful.

After the bonfire, we put the kids to bed, and this time they all went down quickly because they were so worn out. We played games with the Gibbins, Hills, and Torres' and then hit the sack. We left the next morning after breakfast. What an experience. We can't wait til next year, and we might even forgo the cabin and brave it out in the big houses with everyone else (boys and girls separate of course). We'll have to see! God is good!