On April 26th we loaded up the van and left for the Family Conference in Texas at 5AM, leaving only Dad behind. We had been looking forward to going for so long, since we weren’t able to go in 2020.
Driving through Arkansas makes it about an 8 hour drive, which is short compared to our former drive from Denver that was 18 hours!
This year was the first year all the kids were in a class or going to sessions, because we were all old enough, so Mom was able to attend the general sessions without a stroller! Strange, but nice! ;)
And so our Texas Trip begins!
The sunrise that morning was gorgeous!!
(Arkansas / Missouri border)
Our chauffeur who got us there and back again safely!!
The Great Arkansas River!
Isaiah was a good sport while Anna played with his face. Poor kid.
Since we left so early, some of us took awhile to wake up.
Shortly after arriving, we made a trip down to the lake for some recreation on campus.
Andrea and Anna
I wouldn’t mind seeing this view everyday.
The six crazies in three canoes (We didn’t embarrass each other too much).
Gabby and Anna <3
Couldn’t have asked for a better canoeing buddy!
Gabby <3
Norah jumping off of the dock!!
Did we forget to tell her she’s jumping into alligator-infested waters?!
Oh well.
Everyone heading back for our first class of the week!!
Opening Night
The first morning:
Joe and Noah couldn’t wait to start the Alert Cadet program.
Me, Katherine, and Norah lovin’ our first official morning in Texas!
Joe, Havi, and Noah
Mary <3
This year Anna and I (Izzy) had the privilege of doing the photography class!
Editing pics!
We also were blessed to attend the class with a good friend from Colorado, Gabby!
Coming back from class
Anna and Gabby: Two truly beautiful humans inside and out.
What I would do without them, God only knows.
Our great teacher, James!
So thankful for all we were able to learn from him in just a few days!
Also his assistant, Lydia, who showed me so many things about correctly operating the camera I’ve been using for years.
The whole photography team (minus two students).
It was a huge blessing getting to know and work with them!
Anna and I trying to look like professional photographers for the photo
Janan <3
Sarah, Gabby, Anna, and me
We all try to act natural after being told, “Now laugh.”
‘Twas a memorable time getting to shoot people alongside these gals
Even though we come with all sorts of personalities, I’d say we make a great team!
Sometimes, people are blessed with a super special friend, who they go to for advice, who will pray with and for them, who will listen to them ramble, who will spend endless hours on FaceTime, and who they just can’t imagine life without. And that’s why you, Gabby can’t go a month without talking to me several times.
Just kidding! ;)
Gabby, I could never ask for a more faithful friend! It was a blessing more than words can describe to spend the whole week with you!!
Thanks for adding a lot more spice to my life.
For reminding me not to take life too seriously.
And for lighting up dark rooms with your gorgeous smile!
Forever and always thankful for you.
Hopefully now that I said all that, you won’t kill me after seeing this? ;)
Anna and Gabby <3
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a......such a.....um.....entertaining photo.
Sarah and Gabby
Sarah, Gabby, Anna, Me, and Janan!
Featured: Gabby and her camera
As for taking this without looking, Anna was quite thrilled it turned out!!
Anna and Beth
They met each other when they were in Pre-Excel and have been pen pals ever since!
Noah, Isaiah, and Joe:
The boy squad!
Norah, Mary, and Moriah:
The bun squad!
They look so grown up! *sniffs*
Havi and Kassidy
When a friend with a camera catches you too early in the morning
A family picture in front of our dorm.
With just one person missing, the group seems far too small! Missed you, Dad!
~The Fords~
~The Langs~
Our amazing Moms!
And the whole group!
Norah, Mary, and Moriah later that night. I think they enjoyed being triplets for a day!
Because Anna and I took so many pictures, we’ll be doing detailed categories of each class. :)
So, here we go!
~Commit is the group for young ladies ages 12-17~
with the purpose of encouraging growth in their relationship with the Lord and full commitment to Him in life.
Daily Bible studies included Scripture lessons, illustrations and life application.
(Norah & Peyton’s group)
Norah and Peyton’s Group
~Children’s Institute~
(Katherine and Isaiah’s Group)
~Pre-Excel~
(Havi’s Group)
This group focused on learning who they are in Christ, how it can impact their daily lives, and how to become an effective witness for Christ.
Havi, marching to her own beat!
ALERT Cadet Program for boys 8-17
challenged these young men to do hard things for the glory of the Lord, focusing on discipline.
(Joe’s group)
Mom Panel Discussion
~Main Family Sessions~
Including challenging messages from Scripture and Worship
How we all felt at the end of the day.
Something everyone looked forward to every night: volleyball!
The rope swing: another fun activity!
Isaiah’s favorite stop after class
Katherine and Isaiah <3
Children’s Institute Performance
Pre-Excel Presentation
Commit Presentation
ALERT Cadet Presentation
Choir Presentation
Joe & Noah with their Highly-Regarded Leader
Havi & Kassidy with their leader
Katherine & Isaiah with their wonderful leaders
Some of the choir group with some new friends!
Not the best picture, but the people in it are gold.
Hard to believe this was just two years ago.
Until next time, Texas!
Overall it was a fantastic week!! Met so many amazing people, had a great time with new and old friends, played lots of volleyball, took lots of pictures, and learned so much from the speakers. So thankful for this amazing gift called life.
And beyond blessed we were able to attend this year!
Thank you so much for stoppin’ by!! Hope you had a blessed May!
God Bless! And have a blessed June!!
~ The Coulters
(May post coming, Lord Willing, soon!)
“Discontentment makes rich men poor, while contentment makes poor men rich.”
Benjamin Franklin
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life and those who find it are few.”
Mathew 7:12-14
Awesome blog post!♥️
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