Last weekend our family was blessed to be able to attend a conference and hear from the Botkin family. I had been asked to do the photography for the event, so I didn’t get as many notes as I would have liked, but it’s not like I don’t have nine other family members who could share their notes with me. J
It was a memorable weekend spent in Christian fellowship, meeting new people and as Daddy put it, “We were challenged by what we heard and are still processing it”.
FRIDAY
The building where it was held in a beautifully restored, 19th century foundry.
Getting ready to listen to the first session.
Daddy visiting with some fathers.
Bekah, Marty and Grace share laughs.
I think it was estimated that around 700 people attended!
During the break for supper and while we were waiting for our pizza to be delivered, we went outside to get a little energy out.
Um…dears, if y’all were “real” fountains, you would be squirting each other in the face. LOL!
Interesting fountain ‘statues’.
I had set the self timer for these pictures and in one of them all you can see is little boys running in front. We had tried to explain that the self timer was going, but it was a little too late. LOL! This is one of the pictures that turned out.
Pizza time!
Henry the hungry and Ethan the eater.
Debriefing about what they’d heard so far.
Nope, we’re not feeding an army- just the Roberts and us.
We gathered to eat back in this little room at the convention center. Very convenient!
“Ew Norma! Why are we talking about this right before we eat?” (Based on the picture, I’m just guessing the conversation went something like that.)
Martha Ann loves her Campbell!
Noah and Mr. Chris (a man from our church who was able to attend).
“Who ME?”
It was lovely to have the Alan/Katie & Co. join us with their little feast!
Norma just got her braces off. Lovely smile!
Varied activities are going on in this picture.
One of the many hands who swapped around my camera that night, captured this picture.
Daddy listening during the final session of the night.
The dear Morton girls enjoying the….
….beautiful songs the Botkin sisters played for everyone.
After visiting with old and new friends for a few minutes that night, we loaded up and caravanned home with the Roberts Fam (who were staying with us). I think we all got at least a few hours of sleep before having to get up and be ready the next morning. J
SATURDAY
Ready and attentive Saturday morning.
“Hi there!”
I was standing up in the back a lot doing pictures and this little cutie kept me company sometimes.
During one of the afternoon breaks, some of us were desperate to get some fresh air and sunshine.
The convention center was on the river front, so we walked down to enjoy some time at the water.
“Hey Daddy, is this a good skipping stone?”
Nehemiah charging down the hill.
Looking out over the “lake of shining water”.
The Gibster looks like he’s think up some plan.
“Stare into the sun and smile big”
A last burst of energy is released before going back inside.
Seriously, how much can one say about people (the backs of their heads, that is) sitting in chairs, taking notes, listening to a speaker, at a conference, etc…before you start to sound boring? Maybe I’ll just let this picture speak for itself.
The back wall was a popular place for many!
Momma gets some advice from Mrs. Victoria.
Bekah catching up with Jeri Beth.
Gathering up belongings before going to eat some supper. (And just if you’re wondering if we ever ate lunch, I’ll assure you that yes we did. We packed picnic lunches but we were always so pressed for time at lunch that no pictures were taken. And you know, if there aren’t pictures it doesn’t get on the blog. J)
“Waitin’ out in the hallway” pose.
Conversations….
Another “speak for itself” picture.
It was a very profitable and instructive weekend that will be another lifetime memory for our family.
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Psalm 112
Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.
The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
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Looks like ya’ll had fun! Miss you!!!