Family Weekend

This last weekend, we got a suprise treat as a family! The Army has a program called "strong bonds" that provides weekend retreats for families, couples, singles, etc. This weekend, Joe and I and the kids got to participate in a family weekend that also focused on marriages. We had looked into it a while ago, but the chaplin never got back to us. He called Joe Friday morning at work and asked if we were all set to go.... ummm, no one ever got back to us! But, we were already signed up, so I spent the afternoon packing and we took off Friday evening and drove up to Ruidoso, NM and Inn of the Mountain Gods. It was such a treat and really blessed us as a family and a couple. The kids got to play and make new friends while Joe and I spent time learning with 18 other couples. The hotel was nice and the kids enjoyed playing in the pool and hot tub. On Sunday, we stayed in the area and went to a lake to go fishing with another family that we met. The kids had SO much fun and didn't want to leave. Joe was the only one to actually catch a fish, but the other fishermen and kids had mercy on us and we came home with 2 fish per family. It was hard to wake-up this weekend and face reality. But we are so thankful and greatful that the Army gave us this weekend away.... now, off to face all the laundry! Grumpy baby!! Oh that face!!!! Joe and Nicholas enjoying the hot tub The fountain in front of the hotel... it was so nice to see mountains and trees! Kind of reminded me of being in the NW. I'm sure we'll go back to this hotel again! The lake about 15 yards from our hotel room Grindstone Lake... One happy little fisher-girl! Molly and her new friend Elijah. She would not leave his side the entire afternoon. They both enjoyed playing on the edge of the lake and building little pools with the rocks for their "baby fish" A happy little fisher-boy! If only we could have caught a fish!!!! Caroline, Elijah, and Nicholas, holding the first fish that the nice fisherman gave them.