Never. Stop. Moving.

4 Years, 3 Weeks.


It always seems like we're always on the go, filling our days with activities and running around from place to place.

Well, this weekend was no exception.

We started with our annual church retreat to Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, an event we look forward to each year, partly because we bunk it out with the Bergs and Grodacks in a 4 bedroom mini-lodge, and partly because of get togethers with our large group of friends for meals and fellowship.  It's always nice to get out of the city (although I would hardly call Ocoee a city, but you know what I mean) and take in some fresh country air.  There's something about leaving the comforts of home (and by comforts of home, I mean sheets and blankets, which I forgot to pack *sigh*) and roughing it out in the woods. And though I wouldn't necessarily compare it to The Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid, there were times I felt I could have been naked.  And afraid.

But not really.

What started out as a sopping wet weekend reminiscent of last year gave way to some clear skies Saturday afternoon and just a blustery gorgeous day on Sunday.  It was a lot of fun, the chance to re-connect with our friends, with each other, and with our church family.

Swinging by the farm to get eggs for the next morning's breakfast.  Now that's fresh!

Van all packed and ready to go, including 3 bikes.

Picking up big sister from gymnastics.

And we're on our way!

Brae completely zonks out while Maddy photo bombs.

Joined the crew for our traditional Friday meet-up at the local diner in High Springs.

Duncan was put in charge of all the kids.

Late night Friday chats on the porch with the ladies,

and the men…err…man.  Looks like Bruce is down for the count!

This guy was out like a light too.

We teamed up with the Cochrans for breakfast Sabbath morning.
We did a French countryside theme:  Poached eggs on French bread with Hollandaise/Béarnaise sauces,
roasted potatoes, beef & turkey bacon, veggie stripples, croissants with Brie and fruit preserves.
C'est magnifique!  

Veggie, turkey, and beef bacon.

It takes a village…to feed a village!

Brae ready to hit the bikes after breakfast.

The besties show off their missing teeth:  currently 5 between the two of them.

At church service.  Maddy trying to receive the message.  Get it?

Family photo after church.

Lunch at the dining hall.

Kohl and Brady tear up their lunch of veggie scallops, corn,  and mashed potatoes.

Visiting the zoo.  Once again, the diva comes out.

Brae and Calleigh loved riding their bikes together so much.

Family canoe trip.

Kohlden practicing on his bike down the hills.

Watching the baptism in the spring.

Madelyn eats her s'mores.

Maddy getting a hand from Mommy.

Afternoon activities of bubbles and Memory.

Sabbath afternoon lay activity.

The dads get in on a game (or two or three) of Memory!

Group gathering again for supper by the Z's, Berg's, and Biri's for a fantastic Mexican feast!

Topped off with birthday cake for Bruce!

At the family fun night at the chapel, the twins keep each other entertained.

Maddy plays tic-tac-toe with Grandpa Bill Cochran on his phone.

A heated contest of Memory between the dads.

Sunday morning breakfast by the Grodacks and Deiningers was an all-American grand slam of
pancakes, fruit, and turkey bacon/stripples.  This is not a photo of said breakfast, rather,
all the kids that belonged to the 7 families there.

Kohl looking like a pro jockey!

Maddy wanted to take the pony home with her!

We commissioned Uncle Karis to ride with us on the go carts as there needed to be at least
1 adult with each kid.  Kohl looks like he's ready to have a good race!

Mommy and Maddy making sure they are all strapped in.

Braelyn was my race partner.  

En route home, stopped by a small field of gorgeous wildflowers.

A flowering family.

Upon arrival back home, I hurriedly unpacked the van and showered, before we made our way to Avalon Park to attend a birthday party for the Alvarenga twins turning 4 this year.

Two sets of non-identical twins.

Kohl enjoying his time on the trampoline.

Getting instructions from "Doc McStuffins".

They had to do some doctor visit things, like getting weighed and height measured.

Zoe and Leilani with their cake in front of an enormous balloon wall.

Immediately after that we drove north to Casselberry, where we hooked up again with the Bergs and Grodack's at Duncan's parents' house, to celebrate a "Cuatro de Cinco" fiesta party for Elaine's 50 year anniversary of moving to the States from England.

Señor Ron ready to Fiesta!

Brae and Kohl joined some of the other kids in the pool.

Maddy takes a swing at the piñata.

Brae had some pent up aggression in her swing!

The kids with the celebrant.
We would have never met the Grodacks had it not been for her moving to the States.

Hanging around on the 8th fairway.

Maddy runs to make sure she's not left behind.

Making a mess at the 150 yard marker.

Dressed in their pj's and saying goodbye.

On the way home.  That does not look a bit comfortable.

What a long day!

Here was the rest of our week:

Went to the car wash on Monday to get rid of those pesky love bugs in front of the van.

Dentist vist early Tuesday morning.

Kohl did so good, and was very brave!

Both fell asleep en route to pick up big sister, they were so tired.

Writing up some Mother's Day cards before

sending them off at the Post Office.

It's been dry and blustery hot ever since the weekend.  Kohl helps relieve the plants' misery.

Kohl succumbs to the nap fairy once again!

Hanging out with Daddy up front while we wait in line to receive big sister during dismissal.

A welcomed reprieve from the heat!

Garden Update:

Randoms:

At the zoo entrance Sabbath afternoon.   That's a lot of bikes!

Buddy could not keep himself inside his sleeping bag all night!

Went on a solo bike ride and witnessed a glorious sunset on Lake Minneola.

Kia milestone.  Where did all the miles go?  It was a blur…..no pun intended.

Food:

Beet with Bleu cheese.

Quotes:

• We were at the spring at Kulaqua when Maddy asks me, "Why is there a pillow in the water?"

• I was changing Kohlden one morning and gave him a big hug:

          Me:  "I love you very much buddy."

          Kohl:  "I love myself!"

          Thanks a lot!

• Brae was doing a craft at the table and Maddy joined her:

          Maddy:  "Braelyn, do you like me?"

          Brae:  "Yes."

          Maddy:  "Why?"

          Brae:  "Because you're my sister."

          Maddy:  "But I don't like Kohlden."

          Brae:  "Why?"

          Maddy:  "Because his mouth is stinky!" 

This week's formula:  3 kids + hot day = creamsicles.

Have a great weekend!