Home Sweet Home

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After a 14 hours in the church van, we arrived home last night about 8:30. It felt so good to wake up in my own bed and then have a quiet hour with my coffee before the kids got up this morning.

Our trip was kind of a whirlwind, and despite being a tad anxious about it all, we had a great time. It was good to see old friends, as well as connect with some newer friends. Our main reason for being at the conference in Tampa was to be commissioned by our denomination as church planters, and while being on stage in front of thousands (literally) of people was a bit daunting, it was also moving. I thought many times how blessed we are.

By 11:00 this morning, we had everything unpacked and put away; laundry going; grocery list made. Rory is outside playing school while Camden is thoroughly entrenched in the lego land that is his room. I'm working on laundry (and blogging) while Brian runs a few errands. We're taking it easy today because tomorrow and Sunday will be busy. The last 3 weeks have been kind of insane, but I'm looking forward to this next week - the last for Brian and the kids before school starts.

I did not take a ton of pictures because we were on the go so much, but here are a few.

My kids made the convention program inside cover. ;)
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Our hotel
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She went so hard during the day that as soon as we got seated for church every night, she was out.
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The drive home yesterday - lots of sleeping. Also lots of laughing and good conversation.
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Snoozing away
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Quite possibly the worst quality family picture ever.
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One of the highlights was spending some time with Kellie and her kiddos. Including one afternoon of pool time in very heavy rain. There was no thunder so it was safe. The mamas got cool points for letting them stay in the pool.
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I had every intention of taking beautiful beach pictures, but honestly it was SO bright I couldn't see a thing on my camera monitor and the wind/sand freaked me out a bit (worried that my camera was going to get sand inside) so I settled for just enjoying the moment.

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Ready for the wave.
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It's possible I wasn't quite as careful with sunscreen as I should have been.
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Camden said the beach was even better than he expected. It was the kids first time, although I'm already making plans with the family to have a group trip next year. Three hours was just not enough.
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Kids loved having Uncle Michael along. He was good for a whole lot of playing in the waves.
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And one of the few big-girl camera pictures. Excuse the stranger in a bikini behind the kids. Maybe I'll photoshop her out later.
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And for my own memory-keeping purposes, top things about the trip.

Hearing Dr. Tim Kimmel speak

The music in the youth services

Catching up with friends

Skit Guys (they were amazing)

Surprisingly enough, the LONG drives to and from Tampa - good bonding experience with our ministry partners.

The kid's sheer joy at the beach

Comments

Amanda said…
I was thinking that I didn't miss our beach trip this year until I saw those pictures. I will try to keep them from the kids, and Barry, because they have already been going on and on about the beach this summer. The water is beautiful!! Glad you were able to have a good time and catching up with friends.
11:04 PM
Amy said…
So glad you had such a good time! My friend Claire told me that you met. She said you were so sweet! Glad you are back home safely. Enjoy your last week before the school schedule begins!
8:29 AM
Christine @ 12,450miles said…
Sounds like a busy, but fun, trip!!! Now back to the same old, same old?!? I would like some of that here too. ;-)
5:12 PM
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