Inspirational Morning

Whenever we get back to California Tony tries to see his good buddy Mr Cash. Depending on family commitments and other plans this is often just for one meal... but this trip back, these two high school buddies got to see each other almost once a week! A basketball game (maybe two), their kids' birthday party, lunch at our place, a hang out in the park... and an early morning hike! Way to go guys... way to make it happen!!!

It's always fun to see these two together again... hard to believe they've kept in touch for over 15 years!!!

Now kids, don't try this at home...

Tony enjoyed his scenic trip so much that he took us out to the same area later in the day! The kids enjoyed looking at the tide pools and we enjoyed just being outside together.

Not quite the Christmas card material we may have hoped for... but close!

Family Camping At It's Finest!!!

After years of hoping, the coveted "Group Site" was available on the weekend of the annual Boyer family camping trip and boy did this family fill it!!! What a blast! We enjoyed the family camping trip last summer, but something about San Clemente just equates to summer so I was stoked we were able to experience such a perfect ending to our California summer! Here's a glimpse of the action between July 22-26... just before we had to pack up and fly out!!! Nice timing!

Pre-Beach Activities

Each morning after breakfast we would gather in a rather large circle and a different person/rep from a family led the rest of us in a devotional time. This was the first year there a bit of organization and the topics worked together to form a better understanding of who God is and how we fit into and care for his community. One of the mornings we even had a baby dedication - it's a perk of having an uncle as a pastor and a family the size of a church!

Amber and Janel wanted to have Evan, Hannah and Elizabeth dedicated in front of the whole family so it was a special time to pray for these two families.

Evan with his loving care-givers

On the final morning, Matt organized for us all to do some 'team bonding' as a demonstration of how we as a family can build a stronger community...

Family Huddle

Steph did a great job of pointing out the creative power of God... while her assistants shared tangible evidences of that power.

After our spiritual input, most days the crew would go for a walk to the local market to get some sugar input.

The shelves are overflowing with temptations for hungry little campers...

Can you imagine being the shop owner when a group this size walks in??? Good thing we're all honest folk... and we came everyday... otherwise he may be suspicious.

Beach Time Activities

Before the sugar wore off, lunches were packed along with all the beach gear and down the bluff we treaded and along the beach to the left where we set up our secondary camp for the day.

 The San Clemente Junior Lifeguards have a muddy tradition which the younger rellies took advantage of.

 Surf's up!!!

There's always a bit of rough-housing going on in this family... even at the beach! But soft sand is fairly forgiving!

 Of course there are plenty of card games...

 sand...

 infamous Tootsie Pops...

 water play...

and the introduction of new babies to the sun's UV rays!

This year there was also a bit of dodge ball, bouy swimming, napping, reading, snacking, sunburn, body-surfing and of course general happy memory making.

Back At Camp

So when we'd had enough surf, sun and sand, we'd head back up the hill and prep for the night time activities...

There were plenty of happy grandparents and babies enjoying their cuddles,

 lots of cousins catching up,

plenty of s'mores eaten,

cross-generational relating,  

game organizing,

encouragement,

photo-taking,

and just simple quality time being spent.

 

It was my mom's 61st birthday on the day we arrived so my dad brought down the party!!! What fun to celebrate mom's birthday three years in a row!!!

Helena loved the party more than grandma!

 

There were a few clear sunsets and one absolute stunner!

Elijah is a bit spoilt now, but with two new additions arriving in Uncle Mark's family, I'm sure the love will get spread around - still very thickly which is how it's meant to be!

Ambrose girls

 

One of the most fun desserts were the "helmets" Jason and Amanda prepared - they required a whole lot of sitting around chatting while waiting, but once cooked - thoroughly enjoyed.

And most nights we stayed up later than we should've playing cards and catching up with our uncles and aunts... but it's always worth it (unless you lose).

Besides organizing the devotional time, a couple cousins also organized the dinner menu so that only a few families each night had to prepare. You would've thought we were at a 5-star restaurant... well planned, Tamara and crew!

Amber and Evan enjoying a moment!

 

We even had good friends coming in at nights to visit the families... it was a privilege to see the Adair's two years in a row!!

And a surprise to meet Miette! What a lovely girl with great parents!

Helena and Hunter did well in the tent, but if they got up too early we'd send them out to Grandpa's tent!!!

Sleepy head

And Grandpa and Grandma were of course in their hay-day with such a grand turn-out!!! What a wonderful memory - what a blessing to have such a family!