Maranatha 2011

A couple of things were notable about this year's trip to Maranatha:

1) We had a very big group this year! In addition to the Whortons, Wilkersons, Hams and Ernstings, we also added Mary Moss and her sister Anita, Brenda and Ethan Ahring, the Lunsfords, and even Reed was able to come with Mary and Clarence. We were an impending force!
2) The most memorable parts of the trip for Stuart and I did not happen in Michigan. On the way up to Michigan, we agreed in principle to an offer on our house and signed the paperwork via fax from Maranatha. Stuart wasn't able to join us for the first part of the ride up-- he flew up and met us in Chicago so he could supervise roof repairs. And, Stuart was finally selected for his new job with the government, which led to quick planning for a house-hunting trip to Vegas the following week. Whew.
3) We had a rain day for the first time. We went to a movie (not a very good one, but the kids liked it), and played in the craft room. Doug introduced Sam to Fruit Ninja too. As usual, the kids were comfortable in everyone else's room, which led to us misplacing Sam a few times.
4) I relived my NRBC youth group days by dunking Ethan in the lake for digging a hole nearly on top of my relaxation spot.
5) Kate fell off the back of the risers during the program. I ran up there as fast as I could, and fortunately she was mostly scared and not hurt. She finished the program!
6) Sam participated in a scavenger hunt that one of the girls in the gift shop put on for the kids. He won a $5 gift card to McDonalds for being the best team player. He was much more independent this year-- he even missed our family picture at the beach!
7) Sam participated in FCA football camp this year and loved it. It's one of the main reasons we're planning to stay on week 5 next year.



Football camp!

Next year, it looks like everyone's schedule may change. So in addition to realizing our move was imminent, we were also dealing with the knowledge that this would be our last big group vacation, at least with the whole group. So, it was a bittersweet trip.

Pictures!

On the beach with Bill and Isabella!

Our big beach girl!

Ice Cream!

LOVE the beach!

The kids really enjoyed the craft room this year.

Kate played a lot of mini golf!

Grant and Sam

Summer of Fun!

We did have a rip-roaring Summer of Fun, despite all the craziness this summer. I knew we were considering an impending relocation, so when I planned the schedule, I did plan for a few helpers to take the lead with certain trips. We went to Powell Gardens for the first time this year, and to our usual spots like the Chocolate Factory. I have a few pictures.

We road tripped up to Shatto Dairy, which is about an hour and a half north of KC. Unfortunately when I did my planning for that day, I didn't allow enough time to drop Philip at the airport (he'd visited for July 4th weekend) and get to Shatto on time. My theory was tthat the airport is about 40 minutes north, and it should just be about halfway the rest of the way to the Dairy. Unfortunately the airport is much further west, so that didn't work so hot. Fortunately, I had some pros who were able to get everyone organized and in the door while I sped up the highway. Whew.

Once we got there, the kids had a great time. We hadn't been for a few years, and they had significantly upgraded their store and touring facilities. The cows and udder-suckers were still the same though. Both kids tried the milking, and I was really proud of them!



Sam getting friendly with a cow



Kate's so brave. She had no hesitation in getting up in there!



The boys in a milk van: Carter, Sam, Grant and Connor



Here's part of our group. We had a great turn out!



Here are the crazy girls from NRBC: Addie, Kate, Chloe and Shelby. I pity the youth leader when these girls get to be junior high age!

Independence Day in Hutch

Philip came in for July 4th weekend this year, and we went to Hutchinson to spend time with Mom, Dad, and Uncle Alex. Alex hadn't really been around my kids since Sam was a baby, so it was fun for us all to be together. That is, until Phil got super-sick and was in bed all day one day. Wuss. (just kidding).

We went to the salt mine and rode the underground train and the underground tour. We went to the Independence Day Parade, grilled out on a tiny barbeque from Walmart, and shot off fireworks. Mom took most of the pictures, but here are the couple I have:

Taking in the very hot Independence Day parade!



I think this was at Spin Pizza in Lee's Summit sometime during the trip. Do they look alike?