Traveling

Last Tuesday, April 2 we traveled to Chico Hot Springs outside of Livingston, MT for a Montana Synod Pastor's Conference...

Families welcome!

We loaded up the Subaru, which seems to get smaller every time we take a trip...and off we went, the four of us!

I was so ready.  I needed a break.  I needed to get out...

We needed to be together as a family. 

Renewal, nice weather, friends, hot springs, mountains, worship, food, rest, speakers (for Joel, the girls and I didn't attend that part), laughter...

All awaited us.  And it was glorious!  I loved it. 

On Thursday night our seminary friends offered to watch the girls so we could enjoy the hot springs and they were amazing.  It looked like a pool but the water was from a natural hot springs...

We met new friends, reconnected with old friends...Hannah and Harper met a lot of people for the first time, and despite Harper not wanting to sleep in the play and pack, they both did super!

We've already booked our room for next year!

I hadn't realized just how much I needed a break from our daily routine at home, til we were in the throes of time at this conference.  What a blessing that this yearly event is part of the synod activities for pastors.  It follows lent which is such a busy time for our family.

Following the conference we trekked to Spokane to celebrate the life of Joel's sweet Grandma Dot who passed away in February.  In the midst of sadness, we had such a blessed time with family, celebrating her memory!  We were able to see friends on this trip also...

Overall it was a breath of fresh air.  It was renewing!