Deck the Halls 2009

We had a fun filled weekend at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d' Alene. We started out Friday evening and it had just started snowing. We made it in time for Hot Cocoa, Carols and Devotions. The boys had a great time playing on the bunk beds. Coop wanted to try sleeping on top, but once we shut out the lights he started climbing down. Saturday we had carols and devotions after breakfast, then the day was ours. Charlie went to kids camp, Coop decided he didn't want to go. Charlie hiked to Homestead, although the staff had to carry him up the hill. His highlight of the morning was going on a firetruck. He loved it they said. Coop hung out with dad. Mom went to a knitting 101 class and started a dishcloth. She enjoyed it. After lunch the boys wanted to do some crafts so they painted a Noah's Ark boat with some animals to go in it, made a snow globe, and some ornaments. The Hay ride and cookie making was also fun.

Coop sat on the horse while they worked on a tire that went flat. Charlie didn't want to get anywhere near the horses. Coop loved it.

Coop decorating his cookie.

Charlie's cookie.

Napping was pretty much impossible. At dinner Charlie was so tired he started to fall asleep eating. We have always seen pictures of kids falling asleep in their food, but we got to experience this first hand. Megan was crying she was laughing so hard. It was pretty funny. After dinner we had another session of devotions and caroling with a campfire down on Lake Coeur d' Alene. It was snowing on us and very chilly, but holding the boys kept up all warm. The skits were awesome all weekend. After campfire we had a talent show. Charlie and dad participated. Charlie was singing Twinkle Twinkle on the karaoke machine and someone said they just had to be in the talent show. Once it was their turn, Charlie held the microphone and smiled, but he wouldn't sing. There were way too many people I think. Nate played his guitar. The next morning we got up and it was 4 degrees, very cold. We had brunch and then worship. As we were driving out of the parking lot there were five deer. We met many amazing families and had a great time.

On the drive home we stopped to get a Christmas tree. It was the fastest we have ever picked out a tree because it was so cold. With the 35 mph winds we about lost it off the top of the van. We made it though and it looks beautiful and has already smelled the house up. Hopefully we can decorate tomorrow.

After we got the tree up we went to the first ever Genesee Christmas parade. There were five entries. :) The boys had fun. Nate and Coop watched from the car and Megan and Charlie jumped out as it started to come. The boys loved seeing Santa on the fire truck. After the parade we went and made some crafts, had chili, hot cocoa, cookies and sat on Santa's lap. The kids couldn't wait. Charlie just cut in front and ran up to Santa. We had to pull him back to stand in line. What a bust weekend. Kids were in bed by 6:30pm.

First look at Santa as he came through the door. Coop asked me if this was the real Santa. I think he is already starting to figure this out. :) Nate said one of Santa's helpers.