Family Camp, 2011

Just got back from this summer's Family Camp -- super fun, but super exhausting! We stopped at (Great) Grandma and Grandpa Varner's on the way down since they are a whoppin' 1 mile from the route we take! It was a great mid-way stopping point

Looks like Tyler is on a mission with Great Grandpa to find something . . .

Yep, there it is . . . a turtle! Grandma had spotted it earlier in the day and we

were to find it!

The poor thing is still probably recovering from our visit!

Tyler spotted the "brrmmm brrmmm" as soon as we drove up the driveway. So, after lunch, we took a little field trip out to the barn!

They all fit in the cab! (for about 30 seconds:)

Kayla and Great Grandpa

Walking back to the house with Great Grandma

Three hours later, we arrived at Family Camp -- with a temperature of above 100 degrees. Wow. Thankfully, all of the buildings/cabins are air-conditioned!

An impromptu game while waiting for one of the chapels to start . . .always fun to see the kids interacting with others!

Tyler was just glad to be along for the ride! Never mind the "organized" games -- just give the boy a scooter and he's happy!

Or a pool noodle . . .either will work!

Since it was so bloomin' warm, we spent LOTS of time in the water -- in the pool, at the water front, canoeing, etc. Some of the waterfront activities are pretty daunting . . . like the above slide -- I think it is called the "Silver Bullet" -- and for good reason. Many tears were shed by Miss Kayla over going down this slide. And -- to her defense, it was pretty freaky up there . . . I can testify:) But she did it . . . only once, though!

Kayla likes the lake water about as much as her mama does!!!!

And this slide -- Wet Willie -- was a big deal for Joshua to go down. He finally did make it down on Day Two -- and after the first time, it was no big deal!

Yep -- that's me . . . it's pretty fun!

Our two boys -- trying to stay hydrated!

We spent a lot of time at the Challenge Course this year. Last year, we (Bryan, myself, J & K) did the zip line, but this year we tried a few new things!

Getting ready to be hoisted up for the big swing . . .

Hanging on for dear life . . .

well . . . I guess he's feeling more comfortable with the whole situation!

Kayla did the same swing -- lots of fun!

Here's Kayla climbing up the pole for the zip line. She was a trooper -- she climbed the whole way by herself this year -- no hoisting from below!
See Joshua above, cheering her on!

Kayla (in pink), Joshua (in turquoise) and Bryan (in orange) -- about to be zipped!

(Yours truly was entertaining Tyler . . . someone had to do it!)

Just checking it all out -- with his "dee-dee"
(we're still figuring out how "blankie" is now "dee-dee."

Bryan took Joshua out canoeing this year -- and Tyer was NOT to be left out of the action!

They even stayed dry!

I think the time we had as a family this summer was even more precious to us because we knew that Great Grandma Smiley was in her last days on this earth. She went home to be with Jesus the day after we got back from camp . . . Thank You Lord for the relationships you have given us on earth that are only a glimpse of the relationship
that You long to have with us!