Hot Springs, Arkansas

 Family get away to Hot Springs, Arkansas. What an unexpected, beautiful trip. It wasn't a bad drive, and Lou came with us! We stopped to go diamond mining, which was not a family favorite. HA! It was hot, dirty, a lot of walking and pointless digging. But, we did it!! 

We finished the drive to our yurt in Hot Springs. It was so neat. I am definitely a yurt fan. We stayed on Lake Catherine, which was beautiful. We rented a boat for a day on the water. We parked to go swim at a beach. We had a picnic lunch, fished and just cruised the amazing lake. So simple, yet so awesome. I really enjoyed my time with just the 5 of us. 

We also hiked Hot Springs National Park. But first, we ate at an adorable and delicious breakfast diner in town. Then, we went on our hike. We could have spent the entire day hiking a variety of trails. We then headed to the State park, where we hiked to a cool waterfall. Again, a simple day. Yet, so perfect. Just the 5 of us in nature! 

July 2nd, 2023...5 years after dad died, on moms birthday. I am so grateful to have spent the day on a pontoon boat in their memory. Just my family. My dad loved our pontoon boat, so many memories. I miss my parents beyond words, but I know they would have loved this simple vacation. We love you, Zsa Zsa and Parder! 

Camp Blessing- Mighty Movers

 This was a huge week! The first week of my program, Mighty Movers at Camp Blessing. I have been taking my kids to serve the past couple years, so I decided to start a program where I take other children to serve. The response was huge!! I am taking 40 kids this summer. Round one was in June, and I took 20 kids and had awesome volunteer moms come serve with me. Hunter was at camp there serving in their middle school program. So, it was a great week for everyone. I stayed 3 days with my group of kids, and I drove a large van full of kids. This was a huge undertaking, and I learned as I gear up for another session. 

My Mighty Movers were so brave and went out of their comfort zone. We learned a lot and practiced some new skills. It is such an honor to be the one that put this together. I believe children need to learn empathy, patience, gratefulness and perspective. In a world that it is so easy to raise selfish, self centered children....I wanted to intentionally create something they could sacrifice and grow by doing God's work. This program will only grow, and I am excited to be on the journey. Amen to letting Jesus take the wheel on this one. I will follow!! 

Leakey Family Reunion

 Always a family favorite...Leakey reunion! This is a highlight of our year. Cousin time on the Frio River can't be beat. Lou joined and she spent the entire weekend moving rocks in the river. We went into Garner State Park this year and decided to hike. Our first time doing this, and it won't be the last. It was great fun. We bumped into some friends from home, which was a treat. The kids are all growing fast, so it's always so fun to watch how they evolve each summer. These memories are cherished. This was my dad's favorite weekend, and it is always nice to think and talk about him in Leakey. Cheers to another year on the Frio!