Camps

We are thoroughly blessed as a family to have a wonderful group of friends and family. It is wonderful to always have a great place to be, something to do and wonderful friends upon which to confide. After we returned from our vacation to California, it was not long before the large amount of support left us wanting to get away for a bit. Great timing in that we had Man Camp with the Crossroads Community guys up at Goose Lake near McCall, Idaho, and we also had a chance to go to Webelo Woods for Jacob's Cub Scout Pack. We also had a small window of time in which to take the fifth wheel (24 hours) up to Cascade, Idaho where we were all together in that nice community. Either way, the time was nice for us all to spend in new experiences and a little bit of solitde.

First off, Jacob and I roughed it in our fifth wheel with about 150 God-fearing guys from Crossroads Community and El Crucero. It was a wonderful time to fish, target shoot with bows and guns and just a great time to worship God with great guys. Not to mention that Jacob and I got some time to hang out as father and son. We even got a fun history lesson about black powder and newer rifles including seeing some large caliber rounds from a Sharps rifle (think Quigley Down Under). After breaking camp we met up with Sheri, Camryn, Bailey and Isaac in Cascade for the night. It was the first time this year for all of us in the fifth wheel.

Isaac had a wonderful time examing the two stairs in the fifth wheel and examining the spacious (read small) floor plan. The kiddos had a wonderful time enjoying our annual smores (some more than others). We had a nice time together for the day as Jacob and I prepared to go camp out in a tent at Webelo Woods.

Sheri and the other children stayed in Cascade for a few days while Jacob and I ventured back up to McCall, Idaho and what must have been a record hatch of mosquitoes. We had a great time with the other 6 boys and their parents learning about nature, swimming in a cool lake (61 degrees) and enjoying (a stretch) camp food. Everybody survived and seemed to have a good time. I did develop some wonderful blisters from the whittling done on my stave, my great grandfather would have been proud. After a couple days time we left the serenity of the woods and returned to our home in Nampa. Felt like we had been gone forever. We are still recoving from the plethora of mosquito bites through repellant and clothing.

We also then had a visit from Sheri's father and stepmom from Seattle. They got a chance to visit the children and meet Isaac for the first time. We only have one more part of the family to make sure that everyone gets to meet Isaac.

Amazing that this last few months has included 3 trips of length to Wyoming, California and McCall, ID. We have had 3 separate visits from multiple family members. We also have had activities on an almost daily basis. We know that there are times when God gives you quite a bit to handle, and there are other times when He wants us to be still and know Him. The hard part, at times, is to discern between these two or to carve out the time of serenity from the chaos. It has been wonderful to see all of our family and friends. It has been great to enjoy our full family in our home. Now, hopefully comes the daily/weekly routines. I know that our children would love to see happy/healthy/well-adjusted parents too.

Jacob casting out at Goose Lake.

Got to shoot this rifle, actually hit a target for once.

Kiddos around the campfire ready for smores.

Isaac did not appreciate the gooey treat, so I had to clean it up.

Jeff