Tuesday, February 24, 2009

It's a Photo Tuesday

While I spent the past weekend serving on the Walk to Emmaus retreat, the rest of my family was spending time at our church's annual Family Life Retreat. It's always one (if not my number one) favorite weekend of the entire year, so I was sad to miss it (although, you've read my previous posts so you know that I would never, ever trade my weekend experience for anything!). The irony, though, is that we were at the same place; only a minute or two walking distance from each other the whole time. I snuck over twice during the weekend, late at night, after my roommates were asleep; but, other than that, we were separated the entire time.

When I came home, I had to get the scoop on everything that went on at "Camp." Needless to say, Gary and the girls had an awesome time as usual.

And I have pictures from Gary to prove it!

First off, my Walk and their camp was at one of my very favorite places on earth. Camp Sumatanga is serene and unspoiled and beautiful...


In my absence, Gary became a sort of Mr. Mom (not only to our girls, but others as well)...

One of the best things about the weekend is time spent with friends, just hanging out and enjoying simpler moments together...


On Saturday afternoon, the tradition is always to trek to the top of the mountain to make it to the chapel and cross. Gary said Sydney was a trooper (and I have to say that I like Gary's fashion choice for her on this day. A doo-rag is perfect for hiking)...

Gary said she trailed behind the whole way (and he had to carry her the last leg), but she made it. This is a one-mile hike straight uphill. It's not easy, I can attest to that (Sydney also told me later that she was "sweaty" when she got to the top)...


At the top of the mountain, the views are amazing...



And you get to have more bonding time with friends (even if it's silly--which McKenna is perfect at)...




The chapel at the top is like a little piece of heaven on earth. (McKenna swears this is where she's getting married someday. I think I would approve of that!)...

And my favorite people on earth (and I love them even more because they were able to go and have a great time without me. They totally were in-tune with the experience I was having this weekend as well.) They're awesome...

15 comments:

Laura said...

I love retreat weekends! Unfortunately, I haven't had one in a while. Maybe that's why I seem so crazy these days. Anyway, I loved the pic of the girls in front of the Cross. What perspective!

Unknown said...

I can't believe you got my pictures before me.....

Mz.Elle said...

Those photos are so gorgeous!
I just can't pick a favourite..
You've got me craving a fun family weekend now:)

Monogram Queen said...

They truly are awesome pics Cheryl. Really brightened up my day. I have never been on a retreat but I think i'd love it!

Lynilu said...

I think it is wonderful that you are all on the same life path. So many families really don't have that common focus. :)

Adrienne said...

What gorgeous pics!!!

cinnibonbon said...

Fabulous!!!

Thanks for words of kindness...they are very special to me.
hugs...

Danielle said...

GREAT photos Cheryl :) :) :)

Linda said...

beautiful pics...she really is quite a little trooper too.

Cheryl Wray said...

Laura--I liked that picture of the girls for the EXACT reason. If we all spent some time by the cross, things would be in better perspective.

G--Hee hee.

Ms. L--We always loving go there as a family. It's truly one of our fave things of all.

Queen--You would LOVE it!!

Lynilu--I think it's so important and I'm grateful that we all know that our faith is a priority.

Cheryl Wray said...

Adrienne--Gary did a good job, huh? :-)

Cinni--Thanks! You're a doll.

Danielle--Thanks!

Linda--I know.Isn't she sweet?

Marjolein said...

Wow, that is an amazing area.. what a great shots Gary made, love the sepia ones! And the view..... only for that you would walk for a mile up hill!
Good to hear you all had a great weekend, eventhough you were seperated... !!

Anonymous said...

These pictures are just perfect, Cheryl. What a lovely place.

Babydoll said...

Awesome pictures!!

Cheryl Wray said...

Marjolein--Yep, only for a view like that would I walk a mile uphill. :-)

Gin--It REALLY is beautiful! We love it there!

Babydoll--Thanks!! (I'm proud that Gary got so many good ones.)