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...