family camping and Drew's birthday!

So, this post is wAy overdue.... as all of my posts lately seem to be! 

We've now got a twelve year old boy in the house. One more year and we'll have two teens! Wow. 

Drew was so sweet with his birthday requests this year. They were sooo nice and simple. 

Just my style. We gave him a couple of different options and he also came up with a few. 

One, was camping!! Last year we went camping in July over Toby's birthday. 

And providentially, this year, two of our dear family friends invited us to go on Drew's birthday! 

We decided to try this new place with them, and it turns out, we really enjoyed the beauty

of Lake Kachess. However, upon arriving at the camp-ground, we realized

that there was a "no camp-fire" rule. SUCH a bummer. We made the most of our time though,

and soaked up the fellowship (although next year, we think we should go LONGER than one night,

.... I'm pretty sure I said the same thing last year!)

We brought the pooch. She got incredibly dirty, so of course the kids

dragged her into the water, which by the way, was sooo cold. I couldn't believe they

all got in! It was really hot though, and the water sure was a sweet relief. 

We love our crocks.... can you tell? 

The only downside to a lake is the mosquitos. Abby came home with about 50 bites. YIKES!
That girl must have some sweet blood. 

Between the three families, there were 12 kids .... (mind you, they are all pastor's kids :) 

Since we couldn't meet around a camp-fire, we just convened at the 

camp site in the middle. At least we had camp-stoves! 

The men occupied the kids after dinner with races....

Most participated ...... though some simply cheered :) 

If you're wondering why the men are last, the daddies gave the kids a big head start! 

Some went fishing as the sun was setting..... so pretty. 

And this taken just a few minutes later! 

The next morning we woke up to Drew's birthday....

and the kids were back in the lake as quick as we would let them! 

Minnow searching occupied some, 

and others were simply crazy people! 

We headed home about noon to finish the birthday celebration. 

We had made Drew wait SUPER LONG to open his gifts from the family. It was so painful :)
I think some of his favorites were Lord of the Rings legos and the promise of a
Newsboys concert with his daddy. He was one happy boy. 

We dropped the three younger kids off for a "play date" with some friends from church,

and headed out to meet Drew's second birthday request.......

to see the movie "Spider Man" with his sister Ellie, me, and the pastor. 

I will say, I loved the movie! ....and I was skeptical because I liked the old Spider Man. 

I think I enjoyed it even more! Everyone agreed..... it was fabulous.

Then to Red Robin. (We think this MUST be a family favorite, 

as this is where our kids always choose to go!!)

I'm amazed at how different the kids look after just ONE year.
If you are interested in walking down Drew's memory lane, click here!
Happy 12th Birthday Drew!!
May the year ahead be full of growth in
wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

Heavenly Father, 
Continue Your good work in Drew. 
Shape him and mold him into a young man after Your heart. 
Prepare him for what the future holds..... to be a godly leader, in and out of the home.  
May he learn to be a steadfast protector and empathetic friend. 
Help him to choose his friends wisely (.... and speaking of friends, would
you bring new ones into his life this year?). Give me the grace
to love him tenderly and compassionately. Show me what I need to know concerning Drew
 ..... and what You don't show me, I trust You to take care of! 
Thank You for the HUGE part that he plays in our life as a family. It certainly
would not be the same without him, and we are so thankful for him!  
In Jesus name, Amen