It felt like Summer was behind us and we needed to squeeze in as much as we could. We managed an afternoon to the Waddington Beach while it was still open (on the last weekend it was open, in fact). We wanted to make up for lost time! And we made up for sure!
The kids got tickets to Six Flags through their "Read to Succeed" program. We figured this would be the best time to redeem them and we set out to make lodging arrangements. With Julia and Sierra having so recently moved into our guest room, traveling in that direction also provided for a great opportunity to meet each of their parents. Not only did we meet them, but they each managed to bless our socks off!
Julia's parents hosted us and fed us at their house, and they were delightful. They went far above and beyond anything we could have possibly imagined. She baked cinnamon rolls to welcome us, and made sure every little detail was in place to make us feel at home. He took out the boat and not only took us all for a ride, but he also let each one of the kids drive the boat for a bit! What a treat! They bought us all ice-cream, and Camp T-shirts. It is a beautiful place and the people in it make it even more special. Sierra's Dad we met when he came to pick her up on our first night there. The next day, Sierra and her mom met us at Six Flags and came with us. They were such a blessing helping us secure parking, food, and just being extra sets of hands for the rides in the park.
It was a great trip! A great time to reconnect as a family. Our first trip as a family of 8! Most of all, a fresh reminder of how personal and intimate God is to involve Himself into the intricate details of our lives! We did the program knowing we would have to spend at least a night away and we'd have to figure that out. At the time, we didn't even know Julia and Sierra! He worked all the details out so that it would all fall into place and we could all bless each other! Don't you love Him? It's so God to pull one off like that! The greatest thing of all? He doesn't even have to! All He has already done for us through the giving of His Son for the forgiveness of our Sins! Yet, He delights Himself in lavishing us with His extravagant love!