This year we returned the same place we went last year for some fall fun.
We arrived somewhat late in the day on Friday so we ate some chili and headed outside for a campfire.
Saturday was a day packed-full of family fun.
First I had my fun photographing in some morning light.
Morgan had her fun climbing tree stumps independently and feeling so proud of herself as a result.
Then we headed off for a little hike around the lake.
When you stop to take pictures and alternate between carrying toddlers and waiting for their little legs, a seemingly little hike turns into a very long trek.
But we had fun and for most, it was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Grandma and Grandpa took advantage of having all the kids together to celebrate some birthdays. They were unable to come to Morgan's party in August so they brought a cake and some presents for a belated celebration.
She was delighted.
Following lunch was some low key fun. Men watched football. moms and grandmas played cards. Little ones (and one big one) took naps. And these four entertained themselves with cards and board games.
In the early evening we headed to the park area.
This was my favorite part of the whole weekend. The best part was our family kickball game.
I've been listening to a lot of Matthew Kelly recently and he mentioned that the best way to strengthen relationships in your life is to have carefree timelessness with those you love. That is what I experienced that day at the park.
Then we headed back to our cabins to start a fire and cook dinner.
Next it was Charlie and Taylor's turn to celebrate.
By the fire, I broke out the guitar and sang some songs to get the kids moving.
And the adults did their fair share of moving, too!
Jessica, Grace and Taylor picked up where I left off by teaching us some very catchy campfire chants (that I sang for days afterwards!)
Sunday morning was Charlie's birthday.
Six fingers for six years old.
Although it was short, this camping trip left me feeling very full inside. My kids will tell you that I often say that whenever the five of us are together, it doesn't matter what we are doing, I am happy. More than happy. Content. Fulfilled. Whole.
That feeling is intensified when our togetherness extends beyond our five.
Seeing my children making memories with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles makes me feel so joyous. And honestly, this is what I want them to remember. I want them to remember that they were loved. Cherished. Celebrated.
Last week had some more good times.
Charlie celebrated with his class on Monday and brought cookies for everyone.
On Tuesday we went for their checkups. Taylor grew 2 inches this year and is up to a whopping 44 inches!
My little charlie is weighing in at 37 pounds.
I was so proud of them. Three shots and no tears!
On Wednesday, we made cookies for Taylor's class celebration.
On Thursday, I attended morning prayer to join the school in singing to Taylor.
That day she brought home a book that the class wrote about her. Popular comments were that Taylor is a sweet, quiet friend who is good at math, and the highlight of many people's day.
She requested perogies for dinner that night.
Then she got her birthday present from me. A new camera. One that actually takes decent pictures. I was so proud of her. She learned all its functions and menus very quickly.
That night she officially became and American Heritage Girl.
Doesn't she look official?
