Our churchs' denomination (Federation of Reformed Churches: FORC) had an almost-week-long church retreat last week and since it was all expenses paid, we were able to go.
It was the first time EVER, our whole family has gone ANYWHERE for more than one night.
Being sandwiched between a lake and a road, it was stressful at times to try and keep track of all the children~all (naturally) running in opposite directions. But I didn't have to make a meal or wash a dish for FOUR DAYS!!! And we could jump in the lake whenever the heat got to us. And you always had great company. (And I happily ignore the rule that states you may not start a sentence with And. And you all know that because I do it all the time. And you don't seem to mind too much. )
Here are a tidy few pictures from that time, in no particular order.
(it works better with the tongue...)
I was (and am still) fighting some residual camera-hate so I never did photograph the
kayaking,
swimming,
water trampoline jumping,
the karate-kicking Anna,
the blackboard pictionary and snort fest,
the late night gab sessions by the lake,
the circle of ladies all working on their own projects,
the singing(!),
the porch full of rocking chairs all lined up and rocking. There must have been 20 of them,
some new friends,
and my greatest lament:
no picture of everyone all together. That would have been great.
My favorite moment of the retreat?
Before the rest of the camp was stirring, my love and I sneaking hand and hand to the lake to drink up the sunrises. And swim in them.
9 comments:
Dutch Blitz! It's a favorite here!
Looks like a blast!
beautiful what a wonderful gift to have for your family.
Rebecca,
So happy for your time of refreshement!!!!!
Have your recieved my letter? It was sent July 24h?
It's always fun to get together as a church and community of believers, I think.
And how are you always so cute? Like with the bandanna and braided buns and all? And is that actually you in the lake with glasses on?! Leave it to you. :P
(And I'm glad I'm not the only one who starts sentences with "And", and "But", and "Yet", and so forth.)
Rebecca!! The people in the black and white picture right below the Dutch Blitz one...the girl facing the camera and then two of the little kids lined up...we know them. The Mantel family...Brandon and Leah. :) Did you meet them at the FORC retreat? I saw the girl facing the camera and thought, "You know, that looks a lot like Abigail Mantel." And then I saw two of their other little ones in the "lineup" on the side of the picture and realized it WAS Abigal Mantel.
I LOVE the picture of Pip and Adelé, and I'm jealous of the rosy water. Both mornings I was up before dawn, the sky was overcast, but I'm glad I wasn't out there that morning! How awkward...:)
Lovely pictures, as always.
Leah~ HA! Remember that bandana hair is greaseball hair? NOTHING cute about that! ;-)
Amy~ NO KIDDING?!?! Wow. What a small, small world! Yes, we did meet them there and let me tell you. I wanted to steal all their children. Especially Abigail. She just had such a sweet and tender spirit. I could have eaten her up. Do you go to their church or something?
Abby~ skies change so quickly...you must have just missed it. What a shame.
Well, that particular morning, I was up at 4:30 and, as soon as it was light enough, I went outside to read before my run at 6:30, so I'd BETTER not have missed it.
The other morning, I was up at 5:30, but I slept in until 7 the morning you two lovebirds enjoyed a rosy swim. Thank goodness. Three really is a crowd, you know. :)
Post a Comment