Santa Fe

We're home again from an absolutely beautiful and relaxing time at Lake Santa Fe.

It has been 3 years since we made the trip as a family to visit KJ's Florida family; the last time all four of us made the drive James was 3 months old.  James ages 1-3 is probably enough of an explanation as to why there have been no long road trips for us in the past few years.  James at 4 was amazing, though.  We made the 8-hour drive WITHOUT PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS.  I call that winning.  I am thankful for God's grace in a peaceful trip.

Thanks to the graciousness of the Winter's neighbors, almost the entire family was able to come and stay comfortably with their own bedrooms and bathrooms, cribs and toddler beds.  It was such a blessing.

Our Home for the Week

I know I have family anxious to see pictures, but there are many errands to be run today, so I only have time to share pictures from the first day.  My youngest brother would groan if he read that statement.

 

The cousins in KJ's family have always been close, and it was fun to watch the second cousins have so much fun together.  Ann Elizabeth called Ella, "My Ella" all week, while Ella called her, "AE."

Sterling and James played a lot of Mario together, as well as building secret hideouts and playing with cars.

The big kids played a lot of games.

 They're not being unsociable, just playing a game against one another on their phones.

There was a lot of incredible food, compliments of Aunt Vicki, and lots of adorable babies.

There was also a lot of good conversation, and I'm glad Ella got to make memories with extended family.  She really enjoyed being around everyone.

And evening and morning were the first day.  I don't want to embarrass them when they're older, so no pictures of this online, but there was a big jacuzzi tub full of kiddos and bubbles at the end of the day.  They were loving it.