Kamping rekap

We returned home earlier today from our camping adventure. We truly had a fun time, especially the kids. Savannah cried when we got "home" to the camper, and Hadden has said repeatedly "I like tenting".

Most of all, we enjoyed being with a great group of people that truly feel like family. We arrived at almost dark on Wednesday and several immediately offered to help us out. We had not brought a flashlight, so very quickly 2 were given to us to borrow. In fairly short order, our tent was up and ready to go.

The first night, it got pretty cold, so we ended up using our "padding" (comforter off our bed) to cover up with. The next night, we were lent some egg-crate foam and an extra sleeping bag. We slept much better last night.

Here is our tent. I had won it in a volleyball tournament a number of years ago and had never taken it out of the box.

Biking: Thanks to a dear friend, PM, who watched our kiddos Thursday morning, John and I were able to join the group going mountain biking. We went on a 17-mile loop trail through the woods. I have never ridden on trails before, so I slowed the group down to all but a grinding halt as I cautiously navigated the roots and rocks on the trail. They were all very kind and gracious, but I felt bad holding them back. By the end, I was getting a little more brave, but I should probably stick to the roads :)

Kiddos: The kiddos just thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with the other kids (Savannah especially). They went on a hike while we were biking and were so excited to share about seeing 2 deer and an old rock chimney. Hadden enjoyed playing catch and showing people his new car collection (the sweet neighbor boy gave Hadden his entire collection of cars). We had s'mores at the campfire which was a big hit also.

Ring saga: John took the kids for a dip in the lake in the afternoon while I relaxed at camp. Savannah came running into camp saying "Mom - Daddy lost his ring in the water!" I knew she was not joking, so I headed to the lake with her to see how I could help. Here are some things going through my head:

"lake water = not clear, muddy, zero visibility" "bottom of lake = muddy, the really squishy, gushy kind" "odds of finding the ring = VERY slim" ... "PRAY"

You see, John never wears his ring in or near water ever since he almost lost it on our honeymoon. I mean never - not in the shower, not shaving, not swimming, never. As Savannah and I approached the lake, John is standing at the edge with a big smile on his face and waving at us. With the Lord's help, he FOUND it!

He then told me the story ... he was in the deep section and remembered his ring. He decided to check to see if it was tight enough to stay on, and when he tried to slide it over his knuckle it popped off of his hand and quickly sunk. Not wanting to move, he called to our group of kids to see if anyone had goggles. None did, but there was another lady there swimming that overheard and brought him out a pair. He was then able to dive down and find it. Praise the Lord!

Petting zoo: Today on the way out, we stopped at the petting zoo and enjoyed the goats, donkeys, peacocks, horses, ponies and pig.

The peacocks were fun to watch as they displayed their tail feathers. In the picture below, the baby goat was very inquisitive and just kept going up to the peacock. The peacock seemed irritated at the goat and kept fluffing at him and at one point, went up and pecked at him! It was funny to watch because the little goat just didn't get it - he was a little mischievous one.

Well, I had better sign off. We have a big day tomorrow - we are hoping to get everything connected (well, electricity, septic) so that we can move the camper up to our property this weekend (which also means I will probably be offline for a bit).

Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.