WOW! We have been a whirl wind tour of the Southeast U.S. We started out going to Louisiana and Texas for a family visit and the ATI conference at Big Sandy Texas. This was such a wonderful trip for many reasons. First off was conference. What a blessing this year was. Big Sandy is the best ATI conference we have ever been to. Well worth the drive. We are blessed, our kids so enjoy this time each year. The girls start the count down for conference months ahead, researching the speakers, praying and preparing their hearts for what God has for them to learn. It is a blessing to know they enjoy more than just the fellowship and meeting new people. We knew no one going into this Big Sandy trip. They were still excited to be going. After arriving we learned there were a few people we knew from back home that were attending so that was an extra blessing I feel God gave the kids. The speakers were wonderful this year, as always. We left up lifted and ready for a new year.
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| It was a long drive.... ;) |
The Louisiana part of the trip was wonderful as well. It is always a treat and a blessing to spend time with family. JP's family in Louisiana are a pleasure to be with. Land to roam, Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins lot's of outdoor activities. We were met our first night by family, a bon-fire, a weenie roast, smores and lots of laughter. I have a wonderful sister in law who is a treasure to be with. I love sharing with her God's revelations in our life and listening to what God is doing in their family. We cry a little, talk about the Word of God and laugh a lot! The property is peaceful and a nice retreat all in itself for relaxing, meditating, reflecting and rejuvenating. I always leave rested (well mostly lol). GREAT VISIT LOVE OUR LA. FAMILY!! I needed it for what was coming next. First home and.........
Cousins! :)
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| The kids rode their dad's dirt bike from when he was a kid. |
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| Shooting is also a fun active we can do while we are there. Eli is here shooting his BB Gun with his cousin sitting safely behind him. |
After getting home from this trip JP had a quick Business trip to San Antonio. We were Glad to have him back.
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| Then we came home and started our garden! |
Just a few days later.......
Cades Cove on Elijah Oliver's trail.
We had a great day of worship and fellowship
Then on to Florida, visiting family and friends. This is always a much anticipated trip of the year for the children. This is where home is. Grand parents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends! CRAZY BUSY!! There is never enough time here to see and visit with everyone. So glad we have mom and dad to stay with and visit. I must admit I love it when people come and see us. Then we have one family to ourself. Mom and Dad are understanding of the kids desire to run here and there. We are never in bed before 1 or 2 am. LOL Home is always such a comfortable place. You never out grow that. The kids come in and it's like they never left. Thanks Granny and Papa. My dad was ill while we were in town so we do not have pictures doing anything. We will make up for it in August.
They are blessed to have such wonderful friends here, so are we. Kindred Spirits are few an far between. What an awesome God we serve! No matter how many miles, what continent, country, state it's like we were never apart. I love it. God brings them just when we need them. No mater if it is a note, email, skype call or a real visit. It's a great time. So many we can't name you all, but you know who you are.
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We came home to this, dad really missed us while we were in Florida !
And this! :o Our garden exploded!
No time to gaze in amazement because in just 8 short hours we were back in the SUV.
"On the Road Aagain!"
Last but not least back to Louisiana for the Davis Family Reunion which our wonderful host and cousin "Johnny" pointed out...."no one here is named DAVIS!" LOL! Anyhow we love getting together with all these fabulous people from all over the country. We have family come in from as far away as Chicago, Utah, and Florida. WOW! So none of us being officially Davis's seems to be OK. I think it is the host and hostess with the most! Cousin Johnny and Ann are so fun to be with and Yes cousin Johnny, "It's the Shirt!".All of the effort put in to this by all the first cousins Johnny, Tookie and Aunt Mary ( I think I am leaving out a first cousin, maybe Bobby??? Correct me if I am wrong family.) We love this new family tradition.
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| Cousins |
"It's the Shirt!".
;D
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| It was Boudin....we ate it all, this is sausage |
The whole crew
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| Brothers deep in conversation |
Surprise...a Scott man Fishing.
Beautiful Sunflowers at Tookie's!
So after all of this.. over 5000 miles in 2 months, we are home! THANK GOD. Thank God for family and friends and thank God for home. We had a blast all the way. Now we are home and tending to the school we do in the summer, our garden and some much needed hiking! (I will post pictures from our next hike.)
Psalms 34: 1-3
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Love to you all and thanks for making our travels so so special! You all mean so much to us.
