My brother took the initiative and planned a weekend getaway for our entire family in January at a cabin. We did this last year too but it was only over night. I admit, I wasn't looking forward to it. Last year was fun but it was also a lot of work and in the end I wasn't sure if it was worth the work. This year it was two nights from Saturday to Monday morning and I think that made a big difference. It was still work and I still enjoy sleeping in my own bed but it was fun and I'm glad we went. Plus, my boys had fun and that always helps. Jonathan is so excited to go back again next year.
I forgot my camera so I had to use my phone for some and the rest I borrowed from my dad and sister's-in-law.
Since it's January, we had to ride in CAT to get to the cabin. It's quite a ride, especially when you're riding with a bunch of little girls.
We played a lot of games that first night. Here we are playing do you love your neighbor. We played it for a while. Jonathan was actually getting upset because it was going on for so long. I told him he didn't have to play so he stopped. When we finished, he was still sad so Rachelle asked him what he wanted to do. He couldn't say and so she suggested some games and he turned them all down. Then she asked him if he wanted to dance, trying to cheer him up by being silly. He thought for a second and then said "okay". So he danced around the room for a little while.
We played a game kind of like password or headbands with someone's tablet. That was a lot of fun. There was a lot of visiting too. The kids would go to bed and the adults would sit and talk, it was nice. We also played Mafia. I haven't played that in years and it was super fun.
Since we were there over Sunday, my brother-in-law gave us a Sunday School lesson and my sister-in-law gave a Sharing Time lesson for the kids. I'm so glad they did, I think it was one of the highlights of the weekend. As a family we often joke and laugh together but how often do we get to hear everyone's thoughts and testimonies of the gospel.
My boys don't often play with their cousins so this picture fun to see.
More Do You Love Your Neighbor. Rachelle also had us play a game, I don't remember the name, where we all bunch together and grab someone's hand, then we have to untangle ourselves. It was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I wanted to play it "just one more time" and that last one was a doozy, some of us gave up before we could get completely untangled.
It was also Rachelle's brilliant idea to have a dance party. We had had so many tasty and big meals but hardly enough activity to justify it all so this was a great way to work it off. I knew Jonathan would like it and he did. He had some pretty awesome moves and was very excited to show them off. I asked Brigham if he wanted to dance and I was a little surprised when he came along with me. He and I danced together.
It was a big hit with everyone, even those who didn't dance had fun watching.
I asked my dad to take these pictures with my phone and I tripped over at least two, if not three, children crawling on the floor on my way to give him my camera.
There were other activities too. Rachel brought her kinetic sand which was pretty amazing. I love this picture because everyone in it is from a different family but they're all having fun together.
Thankfully, there was also a tv for those who needed a little more passive entertainment.
Monday morning was mostly spent cleaning and packing up, but some families went sledding.
It ended up being a lot of fun and worth the work. Jonathan can't wait for next year and that helps motivate me to be excited for next year.
