Weekend away with the kids.....

We spent the last couple of days with all the kids (and grandkids also) at one of our favorite places - Timber Ridge Lodge.  This fun time is for me one of the best times of the year.... we get so much fun crammed into just a couple of days.  This place is a business gold mine, since they have really thought out family get-aways.   The rooms are all 1 or 2 bedroom suite rooms that also have a pull out couch.  There is a large dining table and an (almost) full size kitchen.  We discovered that they don't have an oven - only a stove top.  So no frozen pizza  for the kids.  But they do have a microwave also.  The highlight is the indoor water park that is really perfect for kids preteen and younger.  The toddler area is perfect for really young ones and there is also a lazy river.  Ken especially liked the "adults only" hot tub!  There is also an indoor/outdoor hot tub that kids are allowed to use.

I snapped this picture of Lia, Ellie, Anna and I and you can tell by our squints that the sun was very bright!  You can also see the snow in the background!  It is interesting to be outside yet still warm in the water, even when it is snowing!  

We got to spend lots of time together, eating, playing games and laughing! I confess that I participated in a game with the kids that had something to do with sushi (?) but I sure didn't understand the rules or even how the game was played. I just kept saving any random cards and discarding whatever was left.  The kids had a great time and I think Tim won.  It was still a fun filled time - even if Grandma was very confused.  I love this photo of the five kids together, watching a quick video before heading off to bed.

After the kids were in bed, the adults spent time playing a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.  The guys managed to eek out a win, even though the girls were close behind. I was happy to actually answer one question correctly.

Hours pass quickly during water park fun, with hardly a break to grab something to eat or drink.  Lia took Anna on the tube slide over and over again.  As fast as they came zooming down, they were headed back up the stairs for another run.  

  

What a wonderful time we all had!  We were especially thankful that Ken was feeling great and able to enjoy the time.  Just a few weeks ago, it seemed unlikely that this event would even happen.  It is really a miracle that we were blessed to have this chance to be together. 

By the end of the day, we all felt a bit like Grace, who fell asleep on Susie's lap.  She insisted she  wanted to go back into the water, but could hardly keep her eyes open.  In spite of all the noise and commotion going on around her, she managed to catch a short nap.

This trip to the water park has become a yearly event for our family.  It is one of those "traditions" that the kids just beg to continue.  Just for fun, here is a picture from our first ever trip to Timber Ridge in 2011.  Lia was 4 and Ellie was a month shy of 2.  You can't quite see Grace's swim suit in the very first picture of this blog (because of her floaty) - but she is wearing the same suit that Ellie has on in this photo!  Gotta love those hand me down clothes!  Not only the clothes get recycled, so do the events!

Bonus picture of Grace with her suit more visible! Almost exactly the same age as Ellie was above!

I am just so thankful today, sitting here looking back on this years trip, but also thinking of all of the years of fun we have had.  I am thankful for digital photos and ways to easily find pictures when you want to.  I am so thankful for the medicine and doctors to help us stay healthy and active, so that we can enjoy our grandchildren.  

We have had our share of worries and concerns in 2019.   This weekend has reminded me that spending time doing what you love is the most important thing.  Being with the people that matter to you, sharing love - yep that is the best.  Just writing this blog as brought me so much joy.  Joy and love can sure cancel out worry and concern.  This trip was just what Ken and I needed.  We are going into March feeling much less worried and far less concerned and much more joyful and so, so loved!  I'd say that was a really good couple of days!

Jesus, thank you so much for times of fun and laughter.  Holy Spirit, help us remember when we are worried and concerned that you are always with us.  Give us grace and courage to let our families know when we need more hugs and more time together.  Keep us watchful of others so that we can share your love and bring joy to others.  Amen