We were supposed to go camping about a week ago, in Northern Michigan. In our pop-up. In weather with 40-50 degree nights. With five kids, one of whom is eight months old, and has trouble sleeping when there is activity around him.
Needless to say, we decided to rethink that plan. Our new plan involved making Dave Ramsey proud, and having a "staycation." I was concerned that we would be distracted by everything there is to do at home, and that we wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy our time together, but I was very wrong! We didn't have a huge amount of time, only Thursday through Sunday, which is about as long as our vacations usually get. But we really made the most of it!
Our mornings moved s-l-o-w-l-y. We got to cuddle, and hang out together, and best of all, it all happened after waking up, rested, after sleeping in our own beds! There is something so special about carving out time every now and then where the whole goal is simply to be together as a family. The kids definitely responded to us slowing down, and got along so well. This, also, was a gift!
We were fortunate that there was a carnival in town -- so our plan for the first day was to make the most of the kids' armbands! Everyone was at a great age this year! I have not laughed so much in a long time. I actually told my husband at one point that I wished I wished I could stop smiling, because my cheeks hurt!
I think I told him that just after taking this next picture. Luke was going to drive the bumper car, but he couldn't reach the gas pedal and steer. It was so funny watching him and Kate work out this system, where he stretched his foot to the pedal, and she reached over to steer! All while getting bumped around -- and enjoying it! Their smiles were priceless!
These next pictures are meaningful to me, because of the story behind them. When we first looked at this swing ride and I asked who wanted to ride it, Meghan and Brendan both said I shouldn't let one of the younger kids, because they thought it would be too scary. I told them that they should be encouraging, and give this particular child a chance to be brave. Sure enough, that was just what this child wanted! In fact, watching my kids face their fears a few different times, and (usually) come out brimming with smiles and pride on the other end was a big part of the joy my husband and I experienced this day. I wouldn't have expected it, but I really felt like going to the carnival helped my kids grow in some positive ways.
The best thing about the weekend, though, was watching our family come together. As you can see in the pictures above, our older children were so sweet, and encouraging to their younger siblings. They really enjoyed each other.
We rewarded the older kids with a trip back to the park at night, while the younger kids stayed home and watched a movie in the tent we set up in the living room. So we still camped! (Or at least, the kids did!)
And then we headed to the beach, where we got to see more sibling bonding, and we discovered Nicholas loves to splash in the water! Through the weekend, I felt like God was pouring grace upon this decision to recognize our limitations, and to keep things simple, and yet to still spend time together as a family.
On Saturday, we did go to my in-laws cottage, to spend time with cousins at another lake. That time was very special too, but I'll admit I teared up a bit Friday night. Our time together, just the seven of us, with no outside obligations, or housework distracting us, is so rare. I am very thankful we took this time to slow down and enjoy these wonderful people with which God has blessed our lives!
Here are some more pictures from the weekend -- if for no other reason than I want to be able to enjoy them when I look back at this some day!
To anyone reading this blog, I hope and pray your summer is off to a good start, and that you can find some time soon to enjoy those you love most! God bless you!
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