Unbeknownst to me, we had been on the wait list for three years. So, when Danny came home with the news that our names had come up I was shocked. A 13 hour trip to Marble Springs, Texas wasn't exactly what I would call fun, but I am so glad we took the plunge and went. The trip was a refreshing time to recoup as a family and make wonderful memories.
We headed out with a goal of 10 hours on the road. We were armed with books, coloring books. audio books, music, and Ninja Turtle episodes. On the way, we found a rest stop for a picnic! Here are two of my little explorers finding rocks, sticks, and bugs (which did not join our happy crew).
A few more hours on the road and we stopped at a hotel. I guess we looked wild because they gave us the handicap room over the front desk. Plus side? It was huge! Everyone was ready for a good night's rest.
The next morning we woke to find that Dallas had lost power. Our plan was to go to the Dallas Zoo. Good thing you don't need power for that! We also had the whole zoo ourselves for the first two hours. Jonah was thrilled with the predators. Huck wore his minion hat which upset the mandrill who tried to slap him through the glass. Huck also got a giraffe kiss!
Once we had seen the elephants squirting water and had a picnic, we were back in the van for the last three hours. Let me stop here to say that I have never seen a state that puts its outline on more signs, bridges, and . . . well, everything. Texans also love to blast the country music at gas stations. Just my observations.
Anyway, we made it to the retreat center. During the summer it is a summer camp. On the off seasons, they transform it into a retreat center. We were all in a one room cabin - which was fine because we were so tired at the end of each day we all fell into bed. Sister loved the cow rug.
The first day we were assigned woodworking. Each kiddo got to make a bird feeder. There were the sweetest helpers that pitched in so it didn't take us al day. Right beside the woodworking hut was a tree house that the boys thought was perfect. Hanging from the trees were circular swings that were perfect for enjoying the warming morning. I loved seeing all the smiling faces from my littles!
While we had some down time we visited the barn. Eli picked beautiful flowers for me. I don't know much about Texas, but these make me think of it. What about you?
The boys loved petting a donkey who came out to visit. There were also chickens, a llama, and horses. Benaiah was in heaven when he found a goat under a truck. Benaiah and his goats! Eli found a macaw that loved his whistling. When Eli would stop the bird would say "again" - or at least that is what Eli heard, so we will go with that ;)
On the second day, the volunteers took the kids for fun times while we attended a marriage training. This was a new experience for us since we are usually the ones teaching. It was amazing to focus on what we preach and soak in new information. Afterward, all the families joined together for a parents vs. kids kickball game. Jonah gloated the rest of the day at their win. We won't mention the fact they started with 8 points, never got out, and the rules changed in their favor. Hmmm - Jonah might just get his competitive spirit honestly.
That afternoon was lake day! The kids were so excited. This the first time we have gone swimming when no one had to be held. Jonah was able to paddle a kayak and paddle board alone, so he was feeling awfully independent and grown-up. The littles took turns going out with Danny on canoes and kayaks. While they waited they splashed and dug for treasure on the shore. Eli found 22 cents in US and Mexican coins. He was hoping to find a sand dollar . . . at a lake . . . in the middle of Texas. Better luck next time?
The next morning we went horseback riding! This was a first for everyone. I might be biased but they look awesome in those helmets. They rode on Mouse, Maverick, Curly, Cowboy, and Festus. I think the bumpiness of the ride surprised them. Jonah wanted to take off full speed - never mind he didn't know how to stop. :)
We really enjoyed our time at the tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. All the equipment was provided so we got to try our hand at everything. There were even some lacrosse thingys and frisbees. Some of us also got buried in the sand. :)
Day three was the highlight of the boys' trip - The Screamer. Basically, they haul you up as high as you want to go and then you swing. Benaiah was the youngest to ever try. They all did so well after the initial terrified look on their faces during the first downward swing. The climbing tower was harder than it looked. Let's just say the belayer got his workout for the day with our boys.
I didn't get pictures of everything. We also got a date night while the kids had a movie and pizza party. A photographer came and took family pictures. The boys got to play for hours with the camp dogs. So much fun packed into 5 days! We will always remember our trip to Texas with smiling faces. Thank you, Project Sanctuary!
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