Family Vacation 2012

I cannot believe our vacation has come and gone, with school starting in less than a week.  It was our 13th straight year spending time at Rumney Bible Conference in Rumney, New Hampshire.  The first few years we rented a cottage, but the last 8 or so years we have been blessed to stay in the cottage Jamie's parents own.  It was Alexander's second year missing the family vacation, and this year Nikita stayed home to care for the animals and work her job.  Thankfully we were able to pick up Zachary in Charlestown on the way, since his Summer job as Junior Counselor was ending.

During our thirteen vacations at RBC we have seen the programs and visitors at the conference go down, and it is sad to see so few families there.  Thankfully there was a group in for  the weekend of our visit, and we were able to join in dinners at the Lodge for a few days.  The kids loved playing carpetball and air hockey, although most of our time was spent relaxing at the cottage or in the pool.  Zachary, Amelia and Leif did some kayaking with Jamie.

One day Jamie and Zachary took 4 of the kids on a train ride in nearby Meredith.  I stayed back with Dante, since there was no way he and his autism were going on a train.  It frustrates me that so many of our activities surround how Dante will respond due to his issues.  The children all reported that the train ride was amazing though!

Following are photos of our experiences-- way too many but I did not post all 205 that were taken!  (I think the digital camera is both a blessing and a curse-- how many will I actually ever print out into an album??)

"Of course I can read!"

No electronics needed for a good time

Leif was mesmerized by the Russian nesting dolls.

Leif marched over and announced he was going down the slide with Daddy.  He didn't realize it meant going under, but took it like the little man that he is!

 

 There was a man on the train making balloon animals, which were thoroughly enjoyed.

Another day at the pool. Leif insisted on pushing Kimberly every time; he takes his job as big brother very seriously.

Amelia, Sunny, and Micah each decided to go down the slide.  It took them each several minutes top to bottom since they were so nervous!  It was funny since we had never seen anyone creep slowly down a slide, but they were so proud once the splashdown was done!

Kimberly enjoyed a brisk dip herself.

Dante LOVED the pool.  So much that I have already called the local Y to see about getting him in the water more often.  He did almost enjoy it too much-- we could tell sensory overload was happening when his giggles were becoming a bit hysterical.

Leif is signing "frog" since Amelia was taking him frog hunting by the pond.

They decided kayaking would be more fun.

And even better actually in the water!

Our last evening before heading home.

We will be back next year though!