Labor Day weekend we enjoyed another annual church family camp! Everyone had much fun and it passed with few injuries. Each morning started with an early prayer time and then gathering time around the campfire to sing hymns, pray and listen to teaching on the family. The afternoons were filled with many activities: volleyball, kick ball, football, baseball, bike riding, scooter riding, boffing, frisbee, kyaking, beach walking etc! Our dinners were shared--the church supplied the main meal and each family contributed the sides and desserts. After dinner, we all gathered around the campfire for more singing and teaching. When it was dark, we would gather and play 4 on a couch, one up one down and other group games.
On Saturday night, we had a talent show where each family or individual is encouraged to share with everyone their talent. From our family, the kids sang John Cherokee which is a sea shanite we sang a few years ago and brought back because of high demand! Hannah and Grace sang the "Itsy, Bitsy, Spider" which was adorable! The show ended with a short skit led by Sam Young. It was a story about a man who is tempted into a box by a Mr. Hunter (the devil). Many people come to help him out of the box such as a hippie, goth, cult leader, "Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life" minister (me!!!) and another person in a box, but nothing works. A christian man comes (Jonathan) and shares the gospel with Jerry (the man in the box). Jerry realizes his sin and accepts Christ as his Saviour which releases him from the box. It took us much practicing all weekend to put it together....but it was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed it.
Sunday morning we had a semi-normal church service and a few other not camping families, joined us for the day. That evening, we had a cook-off--Esther entered carmel apples and Daniel entered skillet cookies and they both won! I decided to enter at the last minute and made a new recipe. It didn't turn out as it was supposed to but still tasted okay, so I still entered it. I received a few votes, but knew it wasn't a winner! : )
We packed up Monday morning and headed home, tired, happy and full of fun memories!
Our family assisted the Bryan family in hosting a Christian Heritage picnic in the Vancouver area a couple weekends ago. About five other families attended and we played games, fellowshiped and had a great time meeting families from that area. We were very thankful our picnic shelter had a fireplace because the weather was quiet overcast and cold! Before everyone had their picnic dinners, Dad and Mr. Brannan from the Christian Homeschool Network (homeschool lobby group) both spoke. Mr. Brannan talked about his organization and the up-coming political session and how homeschoolers can be involved. Dad talked about Christian Heritage and its mission, plus encouragement for the new school season. Everyone seemed encouraged and excited for the new school year. Many of the families had already attended the April conference and we are hoping the others will attend this year. Here are some pics from the picnic.
Playing Bocce Ball
Visiting
These little guys were adorable! 
Eating dinner--they are adorable too!
Miss Hannah
The boys listening to Dad speak. When asked if people had attended the Mother Daughter Teas, the guys all raised their hands!
No post is complete without a picture of Jonathan!
Talking about Christian Heritage 
Mr. Brannan speaking about The Christian Homeschool Network
Peek-A-Boo!
James found the broom Matt made and helped with the clean up
Lots of little helpers!
Since we forgot to pack a lunch, Mom bought lunch for them at the zoo. Their meal came in this monkey animal head. The girls loved it!
Mothers usually take their children to the zoo to see interesting and exotic animals such as lions and tigers and they enjoy seeing them, but......
