After collecting all the pictures from various cameras and locations (thanks to those who contributed!), I'm all ready to go on with Part 2 of our trip. If you want to revisit Part 1, click
HERE.
I must mention that it is very difficult to pick out the pictures for this post because there are so many good ones to choose from! Wonderful memories caught on camera, right?
Since Jordan qualified for the National Bible Bee, he had to cut out some time to study.
The first night we all found that if one person studies in a hotel room, no one else sleeps!
And thus began a long night...
There's nothing like Kevin Swanson waking you up in the morning!!!
Jordan and I back from a late night swim.
We only missed swimming one day!
We enjoyed the V. family coming to have lunch with us every day.
That evening we went out to dinner with some friends.
Ready to tackle this pizza?!
Someone's comment was, "Bethany, the pizza is almost as big as you!"
One very fun group.
I believe we are sitting "second row center behind Mrs. Howell."
One of the best part of conferences is getting to network with other like-minded families, meeting new friends, and catching up with the others you don't get to see much.
Oh wait. We're homeschoolers and we don't socialize!!!
(Yeah right.)
Group picture!
Just as a warning: If you ever come near a picture with us in it, you might just be drafted to join!
It was really special seeing Grace and Madi A. again after so long!
The conference hosted a big Pizza Party to close up the weekend. It was a fantastic idea because everyone got to spend the last few hours together before heading home.
Hannah S, Madison C, and I brought our violins and had a great time jamming in the Service Corridor together.
It was great meeting the Hannah, Kaleigh, and Sarah S. who came all the way from Canada!
Tired out after a long day!
The next morning, we headed down to the beach for breakfast. I had been wanting to swim for months and now was my big chance! I got Daddy, Jordan, and Eden to do it with me... and the rest... well, they just missed out!
It was so fun to have friends join us for breakfast!
"I found a crab!"
Daddy and the three little ones.
The first thing we did was go for a mile run. It felt great to be running on the beach with the sun shinning!
Ross and Paul L. joined us for the run and then Shiloh and Sarah L. followed us a bit later.
And then... then came the moment I was waiting for!!!!
We all dashed out into the ocean for what someone called out "Polar Plunge!"
It was so amazing. First the four of us held hands and sang the Doxology as we waded in ( during one of his sessions, Kevin Swanson mentioned that this was a wonderful family thing to do) and then we jumped and shouted "Praise the Lord!"
It wasn't as cold as I thought it would be and the waves were just perfect for body-surfing (which we did)!
It was great and I'm so happy we did it!
(Somehow Daddy didn't end up in the picture.)
And yes, I'll do it again next time I'm at the beach.
Shortly after, we jumped in the hotel jacuzzi to thaw out.
Heading back to the hotel, we packed up to leave.
"Sure, you can join us for dinner!"
All seven of us.
That evening we joined two other families for a wonderful meal and time of fellowship.
It was sad to say goodbye because we all had such a lovely time together!
We drove out on the beach for one last time before riding away in the light of the sunset.
A wonderful conference, special friends, and lasting memories.
The Lord blessed us in so many ways. He is good!
"O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
~Psalm 30:12b
Posted By:
~Bethany
