Gull Lake 2012

Gull Lake, Michigan

July 2012

Every year, for the past 20 some years, the Slater's have traveled to Gull Lake.  Specifically Gull Lake Ministries, Family Camp.

The camp has had MANY changes over the last 2 decades and it is much more resort-style now.  It used to be real family "camping"  - as in you stayed in non air-conditioned cabins and you had to bring linens, food,...everything except your kitchen sink.  NOW they SERVE you.  It is their mission to serve the families that come.  They want everyone to have a great time but mostly grow closer to the Lord through this process.  

Family Camp is split into 8 or so week sessions.  You pick the week you want to come.  We stay in a house right on the Lake and share it with family.  It's gorgeous.  Every week there is a mission group that is focused.  While we were there it was JAARS.  This ministry's focus is sending helicopters with missionaries and Bible translators to jungle and hard-to-reach places to present the Gospel.  There are still around 2000 tribes/villages that have yet to receive the Bible in their native language. 

SO of course we got helicopter rides with the guys from JAARS

Kellen got to ride with the pilot! 

The kids go to their own sessions in the morning while the adults go to their sessions.  The afternoon is free time! We usually spend it in the lake or zip lining. 

Cousin Bennett and Kellen getting ready for the zip line

On two of the evenings the staff takes our children and feeds and ministers to them. The adults get alone time with each other and the staff serve us some really nice dinners!

Hanging out on the boat!

I would really like that house in the background as my own!!

Getting ready for the banana boat! It's wild.

At the end of the week the kids put on a little production that they had been working on throughout the week. 

Mexican Fiesta Night!  Each night is a theme night. You don't have to dress up but it's fun too see what everyone comes up with.  This week we had Mexican Fiesta, Stars and Stripes, Night out at the Ballpark, and Ozark Mountain Games...(think redneck olympics!)

If you are looking for a great family friendly camp I would suggest this! I have learned not to expect that it will be relaxing....because it's not! :-) It's high energy! But the kids LOVE it and ask about it all year long.

Summertime-ness

Aaah, summertime - it's coming to an end.  Anyone who knows me knows that I love summer.  We love to swim and do all things outdoor.  HOWEVER, I do enjoy the break from all the work that summertime-ness (is that a word)??? brings. Next year I'm DETERMINED to have a large garden, which will require even more work..but hey I want my boys to learn that they have to work in order to eat. 

Our summer can be summed up in one word: dirty.  Okay, also sweaty, sandy, barefoot, and usually shirtless (my boys - not me).

Oh the dreaded sand box and table. I need an outdoor shower!  The boys love the sand and I would rather them be playing outside than sitting in front of the tv.

I know these are some random pics, but they sum up our summer 

Who doesn't like to share ice cream with their best friend?

Keagan learned how to ride the big boy bike with training wheels.  

The summer isn't complete without a road trip - or 5 with our furry children.  

Karsten built this walk through water sprinkler and Kade thought it was a water fountain to drink from.  It was really funny

And of course Ag Days...every town has to have a fair...be it hot, sweaty, sticky, and crowded with people who you will never see again.  

Goodbye summer - Hello FALL!  I need a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks!!

Kade turns 2!!

Oh my dear sweet Kade.  I just cannot believe you are 2 years old. I am again way behind on blogging; as you turned 2 on July 9th. 

This was one of your 2 year pics.  I just love your smile and the space between your teeth :-)

We had a swim party for you on one of the HOTTEST days on record. I believe the heat index that day was  about 115 degrees.  Even the pool was hot!  

You received a sand and water table for your birthday and you have had a BLAST with it - and so have your brothers.  

You are talking all the time.  You are pretty loud at home but the teachers in the preschool say you are quiet...I don't believe it!  You definitely voice your opinions and get pretty mad when your brothers take something from you.  I think you think you are 2 going on 12.  It just seems like yesterday I brought you home from the hospital...I just blinked and now you are 2. I treasure these sweet years you are here with me at home.  I love you so!