We don't get to go to Alton Bay every year. We weren't even sure until the day before that we would be able to go this year. But, we did! Here are some of the highlights:
- the amazing "cottage" where we were able to stay (a far cry from the cottages we stayed in growing up!)
- soccer
- volleyball
- basketball
- Brianna taking dance lessons from Grandpops
- dock ball
- Leah swimming to the dock by herself
- me reading a whole book
- pumpkin whoopie pies made by Brianna
- eating dinner with the Townsends, Chases, and Wamplers every night
- Riley helping the little kids make forts in the downstairs of our cottage
- time alone with Matt to talk, plan, contemplate, and pray (oh- and the coffee icecream cones with jimmies!)
- fishing
- hearing Maelyn call Cameron "dude" over and over
- only having to keep track of 2 kids since the older ones were pretty self sufficient
- early bird
Unfortunately, there were many challenges Matt and I faced while there. Taking a vacation while running a ministy that is not self-sustaining is difficult and Matt had to make some hard decisions. Those burdens that were hanging over our head made truly relaxing almost impossible. I guess we still have lessons to learn. Next year we will plan to go at the end of summer ministry (not in the middle) and we will PLAN to relax! The kids had a GREAT time though and it was so important that we were there- for THEIR sake. It was a real blessing to be there and for the kids to spend time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Memories were made- and that is priceless!
