We joined the youth group this year for the CIY MOVE conference again. It was great to has double the size of the group last year and have Landon get to go as well. We went to the Tennessee location again this year after tenting in North Carolina.
The drive up there went well. Josh's dad let us borrow the van which made the ride up their very nice with the navigational system and satellite radio. The only problem was there wasn't enough seats for everyone who wanted to ride with us! Landon did so well. We use the forward facing seat for the trip because we thought that might help him with the 9 hours long drive. I think it did help. He enjoyed looking out the windows and seeing everyone.
We went camping for 2 days in North Carolina. It was Landon's first camping experience. He did really well. He loves being outdoors so it was great for him. We played games and did lots of outdoor activities. Everyone but Landon went white water tubing down the river. Josh and I just took turns with Landon. I don't think Landon minded much he played in the river or napped.
Josh, Landon and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary best you can on a youth trip by going out to dinner while Brian and Jessica played games at the campsite with the kids. It was nice to be able to enjoy time with the youth group and still enjoy each other
We had a great time at CIY MOVE. I will get this publish and let the pictures tell the rest of the stories. A few things stories can tell. I love all of our kids they are so great and I feel so blessed to have gotten a week to enjoy all of their company. Also I love the fact the girls split from the guy this year in our small Discussion groups. I think it helped us girls bond and open up a lot more.
"Girls we so smashed Satan with all of our works and words on this trip and I am so proud of eash and everyone of you!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!"
I will tell you God did some amazing things on this trip. I think it was a great trip for all.
Landon excited for his first Youth trip
Waiting to get into the van after a short stop.
Very exited to be out of the vans after 9 hours of driving
Setting up the tents...Blindfolded?
The kids were split in 2 teams and raced to put up the tents while blindfolded, I think there were some cheaters but at least the tents were up!
Moving and groovin Dancing time!
Landon in the tent playing
After waking up our first morning after camping we went for a walk on the hiking trails
Landon and Mommy enjoying the river
The view was amazing, God's work is so great!
Our family at the top of our hike
Although we are all smiles here right before we took this poor Chayson tripped on the trail and bruised her ankle very badly. She was a trooper though, She participated in just about everything the rest of the trip.
Brian did carry her down the mountain to make sure she didn't do anymore damage.
Chayson resting after hiking
Landon enjoying the campsite
Getting ready for tubing
Landon enjoying the very COLD river
Back up the mountian for another River run!
Landon tucked out after playing in the river
Sunbathing after the run.
The games they play. Brian and Jessica had the kids doing all sort of crazy things whle Josh, Landon and I were on our anniverary dinner.
The girls got the boys GOOD! It was a white wake up at 7:15am!
Brian and Josh were spared becasue they were in on it and helped us.
One of our first nights at CIY
The kids LOVED Landon's hair do
I think he might be taking after Jesse! Uh Oh!
Brian was choosen to be a singer for the Canada Team, He did great but USA won (which was actually our team anyways)
Enjoying worship time!
Our Skip a Lunch-lunch and free day, This BBQ had some of the best food(And I don't even like BBQ that much) and super service!
Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Christian Church allowed us to use the pinic area for an afternoon of fun- Thanks!
Brian with the pastor's dog
Chris being silly- like always!
The puppy loved all the attention and she was super sweet
Some of our beatiful girls
Amanda was determined to get a pose on the rock
She got it and looks great!
The dancers
Enjoying the cool stream on a warm day
Josh and his little critters
Happy 5 Years! We are so blessed!!
Roomies
War!
The girls chewing gum houses- one of our small discussion group activities
I love the flowers Mom!
Playing with Daddy in the car
Alex wondering why our son is trying to drive laying down :)
Pratice driving with Dad (pretend of course!)
We have a strange youth group
but then again look at their leader, He is a great one no matter how weird he is though!
Dodge Ball tournament
Josh was asked by Josh (the purple haired guy) and Justin to be baptist
I was very honored to be asked by Destiny. I was also really nervous I had never baptized someone before.
God is so awesome! We had such a great group of kids, Josh and I were so blessed by each and everyone!
So exciting!
Beautiful Adrienne
My little man having a great time on the trip and being loved on by all
Brian in the air!
Boys, enough said
So you know that if you think you should get gas and you are in the mountians that when you think you can make it to the next exit (because in FLorida where everything is flat you really could make it to the next exit) you should go to the one right before that because chances are you will run out of gas on the mouutian on the way up! Yeah, we added to our CIY expereince by running out of gas on our way home. It was a good expereince and everyone was a good sport about it.
Our girls are awesome the got their hands dirty and helped push the car to the gas station!
Bye!!!
