This is what we saw when we arrived at Family Camp last Monday. Isn't it beautiful? It was a stressful and exhausting trip to get there (with Mason not tolerating being strapped into his carseat for over 6 hours!), but as soon as we drove up to the camp, I think all three of us sighed. How refreshingingly gorgeous it was. There were trees as far as you could see, and the fresh mountain air was delightful.

Family Camp was so spiritually strengthening and renewing for us. It was just so great to spend a week together and with other Christian families and pray, play, be goofy and love one another.

As you can see, one of Mason's favorite activities at camp was playing in the sandpit. Give a toddler a bucket, shovel and some toys and a bunch of sand, and BAM!! instant fun. He loved digging his little toes into the cool sand, and attempting to shovel sand into his bucket (he hasn't quite realized that he has to turn the shovel up to get anything into the bucket, but he tries with all his might). I just enjoyed sitting back and watching the joy on his face, as he delighted in the sensations and playing with other kids.


Daddy's talent was shown in the picture to the left. He took a starfish shape, and went to work on making the American flag in the sand. He thinks it wasn't all that good, but it got applause when the picture was seen in the slideshow the night before we left camp.

I wish I had a picture to put on here of something very significant that occured during camp: My husband and I were baptized together. I had no plans to get baptized while were there, but God had other plans. He laid it on my heart that I should go. The amazing thing was when we got into the pool, they started singing what has become my favorite song at church. Needless to say, it was a overwhelmingly emotional moment for both of us.

Ahh yes, then there was the food. We ate A LOT while we were there. You just can't help it when you're on vacation. And really, overall, Mason didn't eat much. He was more interested in all the kids (and adults!) that kept coming up to him and making silly faces, trying to tickle him and just looking in his general direction.

But one afternoon after returning from playing in the pool, we gave Mason a chocolate chip cookie (that place can make some mean cookies!) and we ended up with the vision you see to your left. He was so hopped up on chocolate and the expression on his face was of pure bliss (not to mention the rockstar hairdo!), we just had to take a picture. Just goes to show how much fun Mason had.

As sad as we were for Family Camp to end, we were anxious to get Mason back on his schedule and to sleep in our own beds. Our road trip back was bittersweet and again, Mason was not pleased with riding in the car so long. When we stopped at one point, I let Mason drive and Daddy and I napped--just kidding!! We were parked and we let him play around to get out some energy.

It was a fantastic trip and we are so thankful that Mason's babysitter kept hounding us about going. :) We are forever changed because of it, not to mention all the memories we took away...