Family Retreat 2011

The annual Northside family retreat was back in mid-October.  After some debate, Troy and I decided to brave it with all our gang.  We also convinced the Craftons to join us and share a cabin, so it was 4 adults and 8 kids in the cabin! 

We were all a little nervous about the sleeping arrangements, but the kids really surprised us. Poppy was our biggest worry since she'd been on a major crying spree the nights before, but she did great, only waking to eat in the night.  The biggest complaint was about Troy's snoring!

I was awful at taking pictures this year, but we had a great time.  The boys, especially Reef, enjoyed being with their friends all day for 2 days straight.  They ran, biked, and canoed all day long.

On the way there, we had to stop at a convenience store since Poppy was screaming.  This peacock came over to check us out.

Reef's memory amazed me.  He remember driving through the river long before we got there.  He also remembered exact details about the activities and the cabin we had stayed in the last 3 years.  He also remembered the other people cooked the food.

Lachlan loved throwing rocks in the river.  He made me nervous.

Poppy spent a lot of time with Mommy but did enjoy a nice talk with Daddy under the tree.

Reef was excited to go canoeing with Ethan.

Jonas also insisted on going canoeing with Ethan.  Lachlan got tired of waiting, so he didn't go this year.

Due to my poor picture-taking abilities, Stacia snapped a few of my people.  Isn't he cute?  This picture makes me sad that we cut those curls off last week.

 Lachlan liked playing with Gibson; he calls him Gibbins.  They're stomping Apple Jacks cereal here.  They may have eaten them off ground too.

 Love this one!

 Family photo.

 Kristin snapped this one of the 3 kindergarteners.  I love that they are such good friends even though they all go to different schools!

It was challenging at times to keep up with all 4 kids (and they hated waiting in line for food; "not the LINE", said Jonas), but we really enjoyed being away from the busy-ness of everyday life.  I love the opportunity for my guys to get away from all their junk, I mean toys, and be in nature.  It was also a great time of unrushed fellowship with our church family.  Can't wait until next year!