Campfire Fun

Hello friends,

This past weekend we went camping at Fort Wilderness at Disneyworld. It is always so much fun for the kids . . . and my guys were very excited about this trip. They love spending the weekend outdoors . . .

Sleeping in a tent,

Critters and bugs,

Public showers,

Eating outside,

Smore's,

Campfires,

Flashlights,

Nature hikes,

Swimming,

Canoeing

Yep, my boys love the whole camping experience! And even though about the only thing I like about camping is the smores - I LOVE watching my guys have so much fun. And it is great to get away from the chaos, the TV, the computer, the schedules and just have some good old-fashioned family fun. We all had a fantastic time together.

Here's Allie before we left! We left Thurs. night and got home Sunday afternoon.
Yes, 3 nights in a tent!

We went to Animal Kingdom on Friday.
We took this picture and realized Kyle was missing . . .
So we had to take another one with him in it - but by then Allie was ready to get down. It's hard to wrangle in 8 kids for a picture. :)Devin & Allie

Allie & Brandon with Uncle Steve (my brother)
Look how big my nephew is! It's hard to believe he is almost 4 months old. Of course we had to visit with a few characters. Allie LOVES them and knows them all by name.



Allie loves her daddy!



The best part of camping is making smores around the campfire!

Joey is smiling and laughing now - such a fun age.

I hate that this picture is blurry because I just love it!
Love this one, too!
Allie had a ball camping - although it sure was hard keeping up with her around the campsite. She is into everything - and loved it all! I do believe she is going to be just like her brothers. :)

We went swimming at the pool and had so much fun. Allie absolutely loves the water and has no fear! She will even jump in and get her face wet. Not much bothers her at all. However, she does not like getting out of the water and is known to throw one major fit when it is time to leave. Definitely a water baby!

The boys had a lot of fun playing together, too!
They are wild and crazy!
Notice Allie trying to get in on the fun. :)
Devin

Daddy getting Kyle!

All the boys went canoeing.
They took up 3 canoes . . . and all the dad's were sore the next day. :)
Here's Kyle after the canoe trip - he LOVED it!

Finishing up dinner with my dad, George & my mom.

Kyle & I with our Mickey & Minnie shirts
And Donnie & Allie with Donald & Daisy.
Only at Disney can we get away with wearing these shirts! Actually all 17 of us had a different Disney character shirt - but we didn't get a picture. Yes, we are that family that all dresses alike when they are on vacation. But it does make it easier to keep track of everyone and I promise we don't dress like that at home. ;)

Oh, how I love them!

Grandmom with the kids.

Kyle having fun dressing like Davy Crockett in the gift shop!

Another picture that I just LOVE!

Having fun at the playground . . .
Brandon & Allie

Kyle & Allie

My guys!

Love the picture below, too!
Did you notice that Allie changed clothes?
That's because she fell into the water.
The nasty scummy pond water.
Ewww!
Donnie was right there to pull her out - and she came out laughing! Crazy girl!
She gave me a panic attack - but it didn't bother her one bit. We had to take her to the pool shower to clean her up and change her clothes. There is never a dull moment with this crew. :)
The water below is where she fell in. :)
Yes, this one keeps me on my toes! ;)
But she sure is sweet and so much FUN!
Thank goodness I have the boys to help me keep up with her. They are such good brothers!
And of course, there were lots of cardinal sightings! But this is the best picture I could get. Oh, how we miss Jacob in everything we do . . . but he is always with us in spirit!

I know that was a lot of pictures! But each one holds a special memory for me. :) Funny how camping is just not my thing - yet somehow I know that some of my fondest memories are going to be of the times spent camping with my family. Such a treasured time . . . I am blessed beyond measure with the gift of my family. They are what makes camping FUN!

Ending with a scripture . . .

"For we are God's masterpiece."

Ephesians 2:10

"You are a child of Almighty God, creator and ruler of the universe. Someone God is "raising" to be His companion for eternity. You are NOT insignificant. Admittedly, you are a work in progress. God still has more work to do with you -- but He is the artist, and He will finish Hiswork. As you submit to God, the easier it is for Him to change you into the wonderful image He has in mind."
Church For All

Work in progress,