Family Beach Vacation 2010

(Taken just before leaving early due to hurricane Earl!)

Fun at the BEACH!!!

Our family vacation for 2010 was at Nags Head, North Carolina and was a very special celebration as a family and of my Birthday!

We planned, we shopped for groceries, we packed up, we secured things at home like the mail being stopped, we made sure we had lots and lots of sun lotions (from 4 all the way up to 70 ~ we don't like sun burns), we even took 20 beach towels with us!

We are planners. Our family tends to be organized. I guess that comes from having a large family....things don't get done if we don't organize and plan. When we get there though.....we put all the groceries away, everyone makes their bed up, unpack and then we RELAX!!! We know how to relax....

We all love sweet tea, so the pitcher never ran dry. We love water too, so we went through how many cases, I do not know. Matthew & Natascha had their Cherry Dr. Pepper which is hard to find in North Carolina! NOT in PA though ~ and they like to share!

We spent our days on the sand, in the ocean water and in the pool. We took turns cooking ~ we do have great cooks, I must say ~ and Matthew is the Grill Master!

After dinner we had family devotions together. Ask one of my kids to tell you about the 'lie bucket' example Dave demonstrated to everyone about what happens when we lie. We cannot have a relationship with the LORD or others if we are not truthful. Relationships are based on trust and there is NO trust when we lie. So we seek forgiveness if we lie and then purpose to speak the truth even if it hurts.

After devotions, it was game time. We ALL love game time. Our family loves to play games. So the first night we played "Signs".....everyone had so much fun! The next night we played "Four on a Couch" ~ guys against the girls. The girls won and were challenged to another one ~ the guys won! We have the pictures to prove it...ha! I laughed til my side hurt. In fact I laughed so hard everyday! We played "WhoNu", "Life", "Wizard", "Mexican Train" (my favorite), and lots of others too. In fact we never turned the TV on (except Caleb to get his SPORTS updates) and Cartoons for Joschua~

Sunday Night we watched the LightShine DVD together that Chad gave us from Mexico.

Wednesday night we all went to Millers Wharf-front Restaurant for dinner out on Dad; Mom's Birthday Dinner. Yummy Steak and Fish! Love those 'hush puppies'! Back to the Beach house and cake and gifts. WOW! At the end I was presented by Rebekah a "Celebrate Sherry" book. I cried ~ as I read loving birthday greetings and memories! From my family and friends! So many happy happy memories and encouragements! I am over whelmed at the love in that book!

We had great moments together, good food, good fellowship, good fun like playing basketball, riding bikes, riding the waves, eating nachos, swimming in the pool, chatting, telling stories, praying together, eating snacks, and staying up late laughing!

We missed those who were not with us, Nat, Tara, Noe, Jeannette, and Sammy ~ yet our time together was precious. How blessed we are!

We woke up Thursday morning to a mandatory evacuation notice! See, the plans we make are held lightly....because there is Someone who holds all our todays and tomorrows in HIS hands. HE holds our lives in HIS hands. Were we sad?...yes. Yet we were joyful inside because we KNEW HE is in control and HIS plans are always for our good and HIS glory! Thank you LORD for 5 glorious, fun, spirit filled days together ~ we love YOU and we are very glad we are YOURS!!!!