A Little Trip to the Zoo

We had a fun trip to the zoo today. My mom and her good friend who is also our tutor for reading, joined us and we enjoyed a casual day seeing the animals.  There weren't too many people there today which was awesome.  The kids all grabbed maps (which was a new thing this time) and we traversed the zoo making our way to the water, where we ended the day in the chilly water.

They are so cute.  I just love them!

Forest Home Family Camp

We had an absolute BLAST at family camp this year. It was more wonderful than I had expected.

We left Saturday morning for a 3:00 check in at the camp. It was so great to just simply pack some clothes, snacks, bedding and beach stuff and get on our way. I was very excited for prepared meals all week and very little cleaning up.

 The drive over was wonderful. Beau slept 4 our of the 5.5 hour trip. We stopped for a quick lunch and made it to camp by 3:30. Unloading was simple and we were off for our first timers meeting at 5:00. We didn't know what to expect from the week so we were anxious to hear about the schedule and the activities. It didn't take long for us to realize we were going to find out a lot of things as we went!

 After the meeting we headed to dinner, our first prepared meal! Awe...I was so thrilled. It was salad and STEAK! Exciting. That night was our first night of worship and introductions to the camp staff and the kids staff. Each day, after breakfast, the kids go to their morning class/worship/activity, and the parents go to their morning worship and bible study session. The kids were broken down by ages and had tons of fun, age appropriate fun like going to the creek, singing with Music Mama, coloring/painting, playing games and much more. We then came back together at lunch time and enjoyed another prepared meal and an afternoon of free time.

We ended up spending Monday at the zip-line/ropes coarse and Tuesday thru Thursday at the Lake, hanging out on the beach, blobbing, sliding down the GIANT slide, and kayaking. Friday we went to the pool and giant slip n' slide then headed back to the lake one last time so Trace could get a good bounce on the blob. After free time, we came back for dinner together as a family (except for two days in which they do an adult dinner/date night).

After dinner the CCA's (Child Care Assistants) come at 7:15 for all kids under 4th grade and they take them on adventures and to play until you tell them to put them to bed. While they play with the kids the adults attend evening worship and session and then get to spend the rest of the evening hanging out, drinking coffee, chatting with friends etc.  The CCA's (if you choose) watch and play with your kids until you designate a bed time and then stay with them until you return. 2 of the nights I signed Brynn up for crafts while the other CCA's were with the boys.  Due to having 5 children, we had 3 CCA's. It was wonderful.

Because we were able to attend camp with the Huisman's and the Puffer's we were able to spend some wonderful nights with them just chatting and having coffee. We also met another couple from Phoenix whose kids just happen to attend NCS and who just happen to go to CCV and live in the area, the Wisely's.  We also attended the clubhouse for late night french fries and ice cream!

On Monday night we did the Zip Line in the dark.  Just the adults. That was so fun.  On Thursday the staff put on a musical for the kids and parents. On Thursday morning we hiked up and had pancake breakfast.  The programming was just awesome and we really had the most wonderful time.  To make it even BETTER, the whole thing was centered around Jesus and the worship, speaker, staff, bible lessons for the kids and their group time and meal time prayers made the whole experience really matter. Our kids are still singing the songs and putting God's word further into their hearts.

Some of the other really neat things they do is an annual service project where we can participate as families. Polar-bearing which is staying in the creek water for more than 7 seconds, the water is really cold. They have horse shoes, mini golf, a tree house, a ropes coarse and tons of walking, hiking, and exercising!

Come Saturday morning I was sad to pack up and go. I wanted to stay another week. I fully recommend this experience to any one who is looking for a Christ centered, family centered, wonderful family vacation. They operate with Excellence, not one detail is left out.

We would love to talk with friends and family more about attending. Please let me know if you want more information.

Here is a cute VIDEO you can watch to wet your appetite for family camp!