Mickey Ears and Princess Dresses

My amazingly generous parents took Cole and Brynn to Disneyland at the end of February.  They've been taking the kids to Disneyland since Cole was 3.  This was Cole's second trip but Brynn's first time to the Happiest Place on Earth! 

They spent the first day in Chinatown looking at goodies and eating some Chinese food.  Cole's favorite type of food.  

The second day they went to California Adventure and had a great time.  There weren't too many people and the lines weren't too long.  My dad was able to take Cole on some of the scarier rides while Brynn and my mom spent time together.  

The third day they went to Disneyland and at 10:00am Brynn had an appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique to have a makeover and meet the Princesses.  It was such a special thing my mom did for her.  She had a wonderful time.  

They had a great day of Fast passes and riding rides.  Cole LOVED Space Mountain.  Brynn loved the Princesses and the parades.  It was just such a cool time for both of them and something I'm so grateful for...my parents willingness to take them places and invest in memories.  

Thanks again mom and dad.  We love you!

Missing 3 Kids

For the past 9 days I have been a mother to only 3 children while the other 3 are visiting Grandma and Grandpa in CA.  Justin's parents drove half way and Justin drove half way so we could pass off the children and they could spend some time with the grandparents.  That is one GREAT thing about homeschooling, flexibility! While everyone else has been in school these three kiddos have had the time of their lives in California.  So far, and this is just what I'm aware of, they have been to Pismo Beach, Lady Bug for some hiking and swimming, the movies, sprinklers on the trampoline, boys day, girls day, making swords (grandpa fulfilled a wish of theirs and made them wooden swords) and so much more I'm sure.  They have had so much fun they won't want to come home.

Meanwhile here in Phoenix, I've only had 3 children at home. Beau, Westin and Cole.  Each day Cole spends 7 hours at school, so it's been me and the littlest ones most of the time.  Most days Westin goes next door to the neighbors house to play with his little friend Adalia which leaves me and the baby hanging out!

Since the kids are mostly gone, I've given the baby a lot more floor time.  So, now he can roll over both ways and is practically sitting up.  He's been working so hard at it.  

The quiet time has been so nice but I also miss my kiddos.  I know they are having so much fun out there.  They get to stay until Thursday which I think makes 12 days out in California.  So much fun.  

And, as much as they might bug each other sometimes, I think Cole misses them too.  

I will say, when you usually have 6 kids, having 3 is like cake.  It almost feels like you've lost some weight! :)  It's also a lot less food to buy with those twinsies gone! 

Here are the kiddos in CA, having a blast.

(Thank you so my in-laws for having the energy, time, love and desire to spend 12 days with these kids.  It's not for the faint of heart and they have been so great letting them come and stay.)

  

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!