I am a lover of family traditions. One of my all time favorite traditions is going to Mount Hermon (click Here). It's a Christian conference center focused on the Lord and family. Every summer growing up (from elementary school through college) my parents, brother and I (along with our favorite family friends) drove up to Mt. Hermon for a fun-filled week. We started going back again about 5 years ago so that our kids could experience the same special family time. My parents even tag along, in addition to the same family friends who went with us when we were little. Now I have three kids and my childhood friend has four, plus all the grandparents= laughter till your sides hurt.
We always opt to stay in a private cabin, while our friends stay in the hotel on campus. We have late night "Baloney" card games, S'mores, awesome worship times and listen to great Christian speakers. Every morning for 3 hours, all the babies and kids go to their separate activities, and the adults listen to the morning speaker and get free time before we pick up our kids. Every evening after dinner, we do the same- but for two hours. That gives us 5 glorious hours of "couple" time without the kids! Every afternoon from 12- 6 is free time with your family for naps and fun. It's such a beautiful place set in the Redwoods, with the cleanest freshest air. The trails are where I have my special time with God. I feel the closest to Him there. It almost feels like He is right there beside me, listening to me. I know He is. This sounds funny, but one time last year I looked behind me for footprints because I was SURE Jesus was walking with me. I was deep in prayer about whether or not to adopt. You see, that morning we had just received Isabella's referral. She was not well at the time, but the Lord clearly told me (and Kirk separately) that she needed us. I will never forget my "prayer spot" on the trails where God told me that. I'm so glad I took the time to listen. If you haven't taken the time to listen to His voice today, I encourage you to. He's got lots to tell you because He loves you so much. Stop and slow down. To me His voice is just like a whisper.
Without further delay, here are the highlight pictures from our trip...
(Thanks, Joanna, for the picnik website!)
We always opt to stay in a private cabin, while our friends stay in the hotel on campus. We have late night "Baloney" card games, S'mores, awesome worship times and listen to great Christian speakers. Every morning for 3 hours, all the babies and kids go to their separate activities, and the adults listen to the morning speaker and get free time before we pick up our kids. Every evening after dinner, we do the same- but for two hours. That gives us 5 glorious hours of "couple" time without the kids! Every afternoon from 12- 6 is free time with your family for naps and fun. It's such a beautiful place set in the Redwoods, with the cleanest freshest air. The trails are where I have my special time with God. I feel the closest to Him there. It almost feels like He is right there beside me, listening to me. I know He is. This sounds funny, but one time last year I looked behind me for footprints because I was SURE Jesus was walking with me. I was deep in prayer about whether or not to adopt. You see, that morning we had just received Isabella's referral. She was not well at the time, but the Lord clearly told me (and Kirk separately) that she needed us. I will never forget my "prayer spot" on the trails where God told me that. I'm so glad I took the time to listen. If you haven't taken the time to listen to His voice today, I encourage you to. He's got lots to tell you because He loves you so much. Stop and slow down. To me His voice is just like a whisper.
Without further delay, here are the highlight pictures from our trip...
(Thanks, Joanna, for the picnik website!)
There were 5 babies in the Baby Room that week. Interestingly, 3 of the 5 were recently adopted... 1 from China, 1 from Ethiopia, and Bella from Guatemala. It's a small world after all!
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Big Kahuna and I have known each other since we were kids and have been married for almost 15 years. We are passionate about our family, travel and serving God. We love helping people and bringing them hope. We laugh ourselves to tears watching classic episodes of Saturday Night Live and The Office. Summer is our favorite season, and we live for warm evenings playing with the kids on the beach.
Big Surf is 14 years old. He's a voracious reader, focused, and spends hours building things. He is our resident techie and is also learning to play the violin. He loves to spend his free time playing baseball, flag football, or out on the trails by the house building his clubhouse.
Goofy Foot is ten years old. He devours his free reading books like there is no tomorrow. He is also the family comedian. If you see him, ask him to tell you a joke! He is tender-hearted, social and compliant. When he is not outside riding his bike, you'll find him drawing or writing a funny book.
Beach Bunny is three years old. She is our sunshine! She joined our family through the unbelievable gift of adoption. Beach Bunny loves to snuggle with us and carefully takes care of her baby dolls. She is super silly and must say hi to everyone! One word that describes her is "joy".
8 comments:
Looks like a great place to stay and what a fun family vacation. I love how you did the pictures on your blog.......how did you do it ? Courtney
I just saw you used picnik. I will check it out. Courtney
I love when God speaks to us so clearly that there is no denying it! I am so glad that I listened to to his whispers too! God sure knows what he is doing.... He has given us beautiful daughters! We are so blesssed!! What a fun place to take your family! I'm sure they will always remember feeling His presence there too! Beautiful family pics!!
Stacy, your words were such an encouragement to me tonight. God is so good to use you to speak to me. I look at Bella and see how chubby and healthy she looks, its hard to believe she was "sickly" when you received your referral. God's plan and ways are always the right way. Checked out the piknic site, very cool, thanks for sharing! Blessings to all of you, glad you had such a wonderful trip. Susie
Wow what a fun time you guys had! Your family is beautiful!
I am true nature lover, grew up on a farm in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. I just love these pics of your recent outing. The surroundings look so tranquil. Would love to have been there right now.
Thanks for your comments on Doing Life. To answer your question, I don't do any digital crafts, scrapbooking and cardmaking. I am a traditional crafter and love to feel, touch and see the real products i.e. paper and embellishments between my fingers. For me true scrapping must be tangible and easy accessible. One's touch in a way awakens the other senses as well. Hope this answers your question. Warm regards from sunny South Africa.
I want to go!! You MUST take Isabella to the very spot where you knew that she would be your child. I am so glad that your family had an awesome time :)
What a wonderful vacation and memories! Praise God! Love the picture effects on your blog!
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