Sunday, April 30, 2006
Davis Family Vacation 2006
We praise God for the blessing of vacation! Each time vacation rolls around we try to make the best use of the time and resources God has given. This year we decided to go camping. Without any set plans we set out on Monday, April 17. Here are the highlights from our trip.
(for pictures, click here!http://www.flickr.com/photos/68008164@N00/?saved=1)
Monday - Sarah, Kenny's girlfriend, had spent the Easter weekend with us. Her plane was due to leave Monday evening. Once we got everything loaded into the truck, we took off. Our plans had to be modified due to the extended time it took to pack the truck. Once Sarah was carefully deposited and securely screened, (and tearful farewells were shared!) we hit the road. We stopped in Macungie, PA at Ken's parents.
Tuesday - We took the chance to sleep in! Kenny & Nathan worked for Pappaw while Ken, Cressalyn and I went shopping for a new tent. With the kids being teens our single tent was too crowded. We found one with 2 separate rooms and a connecting "room." Perfecto! Dinner that evening featured all 15 Davis members. Mamaw's table and dining room are getting smaller as the grandchildren grow! We took time for family photos at Macungie Park.
Wednesday - We headed south and east to avoid a bad storm near Asheville, NC, TN, etc. With a call to Judy's brother, David, plans were laid for dinner in Annapolis, MD. David was charged with finding a restaurant with affordable dining outside. We parked, found David, and began walking. After walking for an HOUR or so, and attempting to take a water taxi, we ended up back where we started for pizza out on the sidewalk. Annapolis is a neat town and the day was beautiful! David is a trip to be with!
We left to continue toward the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We ended for the night at a campground on Taylor's Island. Our campsite was 25 steps from the Chesapeake Bay! It took a while for Sasha to get used to the sound of the water lapping the shore!
Thursday - We broke camp and headed south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. We hadn't done this since the kids were old enough to remember. Again the day was gorgeous! We drove through the Norfolk/VA Beach area. Our attempt to locate the 2 houses we lived in at Portsmouth failed due to many changes in the area. I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with the fact it was nearly 19 years ago that we lived there! We ended the day in Greensboro, NC with Judy's parents.
Friday - Kenny's appointment at Southern Wesleyan University was at 1 PM. We arrived and were met immediately by a young lady who was grinning from ear to ear! Sarah and Kenny enjoyed a few more moments together between her classes and his appointments. We had dinner at the new SWU Dining Commons. Table Rock State Park was our lodging for the night. We set up camp to the flashing of lightening and the sounds of thunder. As the last piece of equipment was set up and all was settled, the sky opened up! We discovered that our brand new tent doesn't live up to it's "Keeps You Dry" guarantee. It stormed off and on all night!
Saturday - We watched movies in our tent. Yes, electronic equipment is absolutely necessary on a Davis Family camping trip!
Sunday - We searched for a large church where we could blend in. Instead we found a UMC and stuck out dressed in our jeans! Oh well. The people welcomed us, somewhat. It was very "high church." The best part was the minister and his message. I was struck by the lack of emotional response from those around us. All the music lacked zeal, excitement...something. How sad it is when we become so comfortable in our routine that going to God's house & singing His praises stirs nothing inside or outside of us. As soon as the service was over we dashed out. Following lunch we went fishing. The sun was warm and bright, but the fish weren't biting. We only caught sticks and sunrays!
At 1:30 AM we received word via cell phone that Stevan & Jessica had welcomed Ella Marie into their family that night!
Monday - Kenny had to be back at SWU at 11 AM to audition for a divisional scholarship. Following lunch we went on to Spartenburg and checked into a hotel for some pampering. Sherilyn, Judy's niece, joined us for dinner at Logan's. The girls had a good time of shopping later. It was a wonderful evening. We don't get to spend a lot of time together so when we have moments, we try to get as much out of our time. Sherilyn is a beautiful young woman on whom God has His hand. It is awesome to see what God is doing in her life!
Tuesday - We stopped in Pineville, NC and took advantage of Zuma Fun Center's wristband Tuesday. This included many free video games, 3 courses of mini golf, bumper boats, & go karts! We raced as long as we could! Our day ended back in Greensboro with Judy's parents. We drove through an incredible thunderstorm! The lightening was spectacular! God's hand protected us and we made it safely through.
Wednesday - Ken and Judy's Dad decided to try and catch fish. They put the boat out but nothing was biting. They weren't out long due to the rain. Mom, Cressalyn & Judy went shopping and had ice cream! The kids joined their grandparents at their church in Reidsville.
Thursday - We went into High Point. Stopping at John Wesley College (Ken's alma mater) we were able to see a couple friends. Then we visited Judy's grandma, Grace Story. As always, this visit gave us more insight into our family tree and history. Grandma is a wonderful woman who is ready to go on to Glory to be reunited with Grandpa and other family and friends. We enjoyed dining with her. Kenny was able to play the piano and sing for her.
Friday - We left Greensboro and headed north to Macungie, PA. It's not often that we start the day with one set of grandparents and end with the others! We went to Rod & Brenda's and were joined by Steve & Marilyn & kids for a bon fire. Making memories is a wonderful thing!
Saturday - We enjoyed breakfast and a movie with Mom & Pop & Rod & Brenda. The kids stayed with their cousins for the day. We were able to crash the surprise birthday party for a dear friend, Kevin Kleppinger. His family was VERY surprised to see us! It was fun to do! We had to hurry home after receiving news that a precious lady in our congregation had fallen down the cellar steps. Being unsure of the seriousness of her injuries we took off driving all night. Around 1:30 AM we were informed that she was being sent home! All x-rays had been normal. So we drove on home, arriving at 5 AM Sunday morning.
It's good to be home. It's always good to get a change of scenery but home is a good thing! Now it's time to get back to work! Sorry this posting is so long, but we wanted to share as much as we could.
(for pictures, click here!http://www.flickr.com/photos/68008164@N00/?saved=1)
Monday - Sarah, Kenny's girlfriend, had spent the Easter weekend with us. Her plane was due to leave Monday evening. Once we got everything loaded into the truck, we took off. Our plans had to be modified due to the extended time it took to pack the truck. Once Sarah was carefully deposited and securely screened, (and tearful farewells were shared!) we hit the road. We stopped in Macungie, PA at Ken's parents.
Tuesday - We took the chance to sleep in! Kenny & Nathan worked for Pappaw while Ken, Cressalyn and I went shopping for a new tent. With the kids being teens our single tent was too crowded. We found one with 2 separate rooms and a connecting "room." Perfecto! Dinner that evening featured all 15 Davis members. Mamaw's table and dining room are getting smaller as the grandchildren grow! We took time for family photos at Macungie Park.
Wednesday - We headed south and east to avoid a bad storm near Asheville, NC, TN, etc. With a call to Judy's brother, David, plans were laid for dinner in Annapolis, MD. David was charged with finding a restaurant with affordable dining outside. We parked, found David, and began walking. After walking for an HOUR or so, and attempting to take a water taxi, we ended up back where we started for pizza out on the sidewalk. Annapolis is a neat town and the day was beautiful! David is a trip to be with!
We left to continue toward the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We ended for the night at a campground on Taylor's Island. Our campsite was 25 steps from the Chesapeake Bay! It took a while for Sasha to get used to the sound of the water lapping the shore!
Thursday - We broke camp and headed south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. We hadn't done this since the kids were old enough to remember. Again the day was gorgeous! We drove through the Norfolk/VA Beach area. Our attempt to locate the 2 houses we lived in at Portsmouth failed due to many changes in the area. I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with the fact it was nearly 19 years ago that we lived there! We ended the day in Greensboro, NC with Judy's parents.
Friday - Kenny's appointment at Southern Wesleyan University was at 1 PM. We arrived and were met immediately by a young lady who was grinning from ear to ear! Sarah and Kenny enjoyed a few more moments together between her classes and his appointments. We had dinner at the new SWU Dining Commons. Table Rock State Park was our lodging for the night. We set up camp to the flashing of lightening and the sounds of thunder. As the last piece of equipment was set up and all was settled, the sky opened up! We discovered that our brand new tent doesn't live up to it's "Keeps You Dry" guarantee. It stormed off and on all night!
Saturday - We watched movies in our tent. Yes, electronic equipment is absolutely necessary on a Davis Family camping trip!
Sunday - We searched for a large church where we could blend in. Instead we found a UMC and stuck out dressed in our jeans! Oh well. The people welcomed us, somewhat. It was very "high church." The best part was the minister and his message. I was struck by the lack of emotional response from those around us. All the music lacked zeal, excitement...something. How sad it is when we become so comfortable in our routine that going to God's house & singing His praises stirs nothing inside or outside of us. As soon as the service was over we dashed out. Following lunch we went fishing. The sun was warm and bright, but the fish weren't biting. We only caught sticks and sunrays!
At 1:30 AM we received word via cell phone that Stevan & Jessica had welcomed Ella Marie into their family that night!
Monday - Kenny had to be back at SWU at 11 AM to audition for a divisional scholarship. Following lunch we went on to Spartenburg and checked into a hotel for some pampering. Sherilyn, Judy's niece, joined us for dinner at Logan's. The girls had a good time of shopping later. It was a wonderful evening. We don't get to spend a lot of time together so when we have moments, we try to get as much out of our time. Sherilyn is a beautiful young woman on whom God has His hand. It is awesome to see what God is doing in her life!
Tuesday - We stopped in Pineville, NC and took advantage of Zuma Fun Center's wristband Tuesday. This included many free video games, 3 courses of mini golf, bumper boats, & go karts! We raced as long as we could! Our day ended back in Greensboro with Judy's parents. We drove through an incredible thunderstorm! The lightening was spectacular! God's hand protected us and we made it safely through.
Wednesday - Ken and Judy's Dad decided to try and catch fish. They put the boat out but nothing was biting. They weren't out long due to the rain. Mom, Cressalyn & Judy went shopping and had ice cream! The kids joined their grandparents at their church in Reidsville.
Thursday - We went into High Point. Stopping at John Wesley College (Ken's alma mater) we were able to see a couple friends. Then we visited Judy's grandma, Grace Story. As always, this visit gave us more insight into our family tree and history. Grandma is a wonderful woman who is ready to go on to Glory to be reunited with Grandpa and other family and friends. We enjoyed dining with her. Kenny was able to play the piano and sing for her.
Friday - We left Greensboro and headed north to Macungie, PA. It's not often that we start the day with one set of grandparents and end with the others! We went to Rod & Brenda's and were joined by Steve & Marilyn & kids for a bon fire. Making memories is a wonderful thing!
Saturday - We enjoyed breakfast and a movie with Mom & Pop & Rod & Brenda. The kids stayed with their cousins for the day. We were able to crash the surprise birthday party for a dear friend, Kevin Kleppinger. His family was VERY surprised to see us! It was fun to do! We had to hurry home after receiving news that a precious lady in our congregation had fallen down the cellar steps. Being unsure of the seriousness of her injuries we took off driving all night. Around 1:30 AM we were informed that she was being sent home! All x-rays had been normal. So we drove on home, arriving at 5 AM Sunday morning.
It's good to be home. It's always good to get a change of scenery but home is a good thing! Now it's time to get back to work! Sorry this posting is so long, but we wanted to share as much as we could.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Vacation Pictures
Click here for pictures from our vacation!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68008164@N00/?saved=1
More will come later!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68008164@N00/?saved=1
More will come later!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Vacation - Week 2
We are halfway through our vacation. I have officially lost track of what day it is, what happened when, etc. I guess that means I've relaxed a bit!
I am writing the highlights of our trip and will share them when we get home but for now, I want to share with you the best highlight of all. Last night, Sunday night, at 11:24 PM in the state of Indiana, Ella Marie Sheets joined our family! Her father, Stevan, is my nephew. You can see pictures of this precious one and more details of her arrival at www.stevansheets.com. She's the second great granddaughter to be added in 2006! Brock's Reagan Joy arrived in January. I cannot believe MY parents are great grandparents. I can't believe my 2 brothers are grandfathers! It is so amazing, this circle of life!
Currently we are in SC. We are in a hotel. Yes, we are on a camping vacation but tonight I need to sleep in a WARM bed, without BUGS, SLUGS, MOTHS, and RED DIRT! All in all we have had a very enjoyable time. I just am not completely cut out for the roughing it sort of thing! Just ask anyone who remembers my first family camp in the East Michigan District in 2002!
(BY THE WAY: We had dinner Monday night with Sherilyn Sheets, Judy's niece, daughter of Judy's oldest brother, Paul, who is married to Sally, who just became grandparents to Ella Marrie, who is the daughter of Stevan and Jessica Sheets, who were married June 5, 2004, which was also the 40th anniversary of Ken's parents, Meredith and Janet Davis, who are the in-laws to Ken's brother, Steve's wife, Marilyn, who is cousin to Sally Sheets, Judy's sister-in-law. Whew!)
I am writing the highlights of our trip and will share them when we get home but for now, I want to share with you the best highlight of all. Last night, Sunday night, at 11:24 PM in the state of Indiana, Ella Marie Sheets joined our family! Her father, Stevan, is my nephew. You can see pictures of this precious one and more details of her arrival at www.stevansheets.com. She's the second great granddaughter to be added in 2006! Brock's Reagan Joy arrived in January. I cannot believe MY parents are great grandparents. I can't believe my 2 brothers are grandfathers! It is so amazing, this circle of life!
Currently we are in SC. We are in a hotel. Yes, we are on a camping vacation but tonight I need to sleep in a WARM bed, without BUGS, SLUGS, MOTHS, and RED DIRT! All in all we have had a very enjoyable time. I just am not completely cut out for the roughing it sort of thing! Just ask anyone who remembers my first family camp in the East Michigan District in 2002!
(BY THE WAY: We had dinner Monday night with Sherilyn Sheets, Judy's niece, daughter of Judy's oldest brother, Paul, who is married to Sally, who just became grandparents to Ella Marrie, who is the daughter of Stevan and Jessica Sheets, who were married June 5, 2004, which was also the 40th anniversary of Ken's parents, Meredith and Janet Davis, who are the in-laws to Ken's brother, Steve's wife, Marilyn, who is cousin to Sally Sheets, Judy's sister-in-law. Whew!)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Davis Vacation - Stop #1
All 7 Davis grandchildren in order of age. Kenny - 17, Nathan - 15, James - 14, Cressalyn - 13, Whitney - 9, Stefanie - 9, and Trevor - 3. We have enjoyed some hours with Ken's family! We arrived late Monday night and spent today sleeping in and then running some errands. We had to replace the cap locks (AGAIN!) on the truck. Ken's brothers and their families joined us at Pop's & Mom's for dinner. We also took that time for family photos at the park! This may very well be the last time we will all be together like this for quite a while!
I will share more pictures as I can!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Resurrection Celebration!
We had our first Resurrection Celebration here today! We publicized with the community and of course had no way of knowing how many would come. We had 30 children! There were 56 all total!
It was a great day! One little girl came upstairs at the end of the 2 hours of fun with a bag full of prizes and declared, "I think I need to come to this next year!" It would be wonderful to see all of these in the morning at church but we will set our sight on next Easter!
Praise the Lord!
Monday, April 10, 2006
First Bon Fire of the Season
We finally have been able to clean up the fire pit. We had gathered downed limbs and brush from the yard and placed on the pit throughout the winter. Who knew that evergreen boughs don't burn well?
Anyway, we dug the pit deeper and then placed large rocks around the rim. Then we built a fire! It was a good one! The only problem was that the temperature continued to decline. Nathan and Cressalyn went in to go to bed and Kenny hung out with us for a while longer. He then got to the point that he was cold. So he left us. Ken had on his winter coat, over his hoodie, and had a blanket under him. I had on my jacket and my winter coat. Hmmm...
Note to self: when frost begins to form on the chair you are sitting in, it's time to go inside!
Anyway, we dug the pit deeper and then placed large rocks around the rim. Then we built a fire! It was a good one! The only problem was that the temperature continued to decline. Nathan and Cressalyn went in to go to bed and Kenny hung out with us for a while longer. He then got to the point that he was cold. So he left us. Ken had on his winter coat, over his hoodie, and had a blanket under him. I had on my jacket and my winter coat. Hmmm...
Note to self: when frost begins to form on the chair you are sitting in, it's time to go inside!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The Presence of God
Isn't the presence of God a wonderful thing?
If you are interested in the story of our service this morning, email me. I'd love to share it!
If you are interested in the story of our service this morning, email me. I'd love to share it!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
It's Official!
Yes, Kenny has received his acceptance into Southern Wesleyan University! Now the financial aid applications and all that jazz can begin!
