Sam's Sayings: 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!