The Yurt

Last Thursday night, John had the idea to take our family for a little camping trip to the State Park and stay in a Yurt. I was never a camper growing up so I thought that this would be a good transition into camping since you are in a Yurt and not a tent. These pics are out of order and blogger is being weird about changing the order so here it goes:

The kids enjoying some old fashioned Smores.

Our first time at the Yurt. We are thinking about making this an annual little getaway but maybe stay more than one night and maybe not in July when it is soooo hot. I was sad that this picture was blurry. I realized that my camera was set to a weird setting and we got someone from another camp to take it so once I noticed it I didn't want to ask him again.

On one of the nature trails trying to find the pond to fish in.

Daddy and his fishing buddy. I remember John writing a note to Luke in his baby book the night before Luke was born and he talked about how excited he was to have a fishing buddy so this picture makes me a little emotional. :)

John the master griller.

Outside of Yurt

The inside and picture of the swamp cooler that tried really hard to cool the place but just didn't cut it. Guess it's better than nothin!

The ceiling has a dome and it is really neat at night because the moonlight shines in and you can see some stars.

The beds. I slept on the top bunk so it was a little hard to stretch out but I made it okay. I didn't trust either one of my kids up there. There are also three screens in the Yurt that I didn't get a picture of but we left them open during the night and it actually got cool enough to pull a sheet up over us. We also went to the pool the next day and swam for a couple of hours. It was so much fun and I look forward to next year!

My Friend Leslie

The first time I ever met Leslie was at church. I remember seeing her walk into class and I thought she had the most beautiful red hair. I also thought, hey, there's another tall couple! The next year, Leslie was Luke's teacher at YCW and she was so great with him. She put up with him asking Where's Mama? a thousand times a day. This past year is when we really got to know each other though. We were both working at YCW and so we got to hang out a little more. Now Leslie has become one of my closest friends! When I think of Leslie I think of lots of laughing. She cracks me up every time I am around her. Leslie and James joined our small group at church and it has been such a blessing to get to know them as a couple and to see what a great team they make as parents. I have always admired Leslie for her sweet attitude raising her youngest two girls so close together. I can't imagine having two so close in age but she has handled it with grace and you can tell that Kaitlyn just thinks her mom is the coolest thing ever. Leslie is always finding ways to have fun with Kaitlyn and to make her feel special. I love that!Leslie, our friendship is something that I cherish and I can't wait for it to grow even more! You are such a special woman of God and I am so happy to know you. Happy 30th Birthday! Love ya girl!