Monday, September 14, 2015

Camp Allen . . . First Family Retreat 2015

Our first family (aka small group from church that is not really that small) hit up Camp Allen this past weekend for our annual retreat getaway and it did not disappoint! It was so nice to get away with friends and just relax, fellowship, share some much needed tears and laughter, worship, and just make some great memories.

Oh and eat . . . a lot.

We rented three cabins so each family had their own room and plenty of space. We arrived Friday early evening and enjoyed the camp until around noon on Sunday. Perfect. Weekend.

(We missed you Manges family!!)

The scene. . .

The group . . . beyond thankful to do life with these people. . . Proverbs 11:14 describes this group perfectly. . . "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." So much wisdom and safety within these hearts. 

The kids made themselves right at home . . .











Three out of four looking at the camera so I'll call this a win . . .

On Saturday afternoon, after the kids napped, we played a variety of family games. Each family made t-shirts complete with a team name, number, and personal Dr. Seuss character nickname. We claimed "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" for the girls and their shirts turned out super cute if I do say so myself. And no, I was not the one that designed their shirts. I cannot even draw a stick person so for fear of hyperventilating I passed this task of to Brandon who apparently can draw more than a stick person. I secretly hate and love his talent all at the same time. Hate that he is better than me at all things creative, yet love that I can rely on him to bail me out of all things creative. 



The kiddos . . . we learned quickly that they are much more compliant for pictures when sitting down and when one parent volunteer runs in front of them like a crazy person captivating their eyes and attention.







A much needed bath time for the girls on Saturday evening pre bedtime. . . Camille was loving rubbing bubbles all over Clara's hair and surprisingly, Clara was loving it as well.

Sunday morning we had church (in our pi's while consuming cinnamon rolls) in one of the three cabins. Our friend Wade lead a cute mini devotional for the kids on "how to be a good helper." He did a great job as he managed to keep their attention for more than two minutes. Anyone that has toddlers understands the magnitude of this victory.







Four of the six kiddos from our cabin. . . All the girls were playing "Mama" with baby Davis. . . 




Until next time, Camp Allen . . . We are already looking forward to next year!

4 comments

  1. Glad the weekend went off without a hitch!! Apparently Wade lived in those cabins at various times when he was on staff at Camp Allen, so I hope you were feeling super connected to his past while you were there, ha!

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  2. What a super fun weekend!!! That place looks perfect! Invite me to come next year! :)

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  3. Looks like y'all had such a great time- and like Allison, it's funny to me to see pics at Camp Allen knowing that Brian spent so many summers running around there!

    Also, I love Camille's zebra romper and want an adult one for myself :)

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  4. Ok, this is the best thing ever! All the best parts of "community" right here (and I love the t-shirts).

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