Well, after a week's silence, we're back! Yes, little Grace is doing well and is as cute and sweet as can be! But we haven't seen her nearly as much as we'd like to have because we were out of town for a long weekend (Wednesday-Saturday) last week.
We headed down to Peoria, IL for the presbytery meetings of the CPC. During the weekend, Dad and Mr. Strand were examined and our church welcomed into the denomination. While that was the point, and the most important happening, of the weekend it is also a very simple summary of our time away. The fact is that while the men were meeting (no pictures, of course) the rest of the Strand family and our family (and later also the Geaschel family, Luke & Anna VH, N&J Family, J&A) enjoyed some time away together. Wednesday and Thursday our families spent a bit of time just hanging out together...
At the hotel...
Shopping...
...trying to crawl...
Swimming...and just having fun together!
Thursday afternoon found us at the McDonald's house for visiting and dinner, and then we headed out to the ball park with about 90 others from the CPC.
O'Brien field is home of the minor league team the Peoria Chiefs...
...and they just happened to be coached by Ryne Sandberg. Of course, we made sure to bring home his autograph!
Friday, while the men met again, the ladies and children headed over to Wildlife Prairie State Park to spend the day (or most of it!). Yes, we did see bear while we were there! Much to the mixed delight and horror of Winston!
We also road a little train around the park - which almost put Camille to sleep, but just then the conductor would sound the whistle...
It was an absolutely beautiful day! The Lord sent us fabulous weather for outdoor fun, and with the rest of the families we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn and some time of conversation before heading back to the hotel for naps before the evening.
Friday evening was the official ordination service, followed by a dinner and celebration. The conversations, food, and square dancing, were all much enjoyed. We were grateful to get to know some of the families that were there, and look forward to developing many new relationships further.
Saturday morning was spent either in the pool or playing games back at the hotel. And shortly after lunch we were headed back home...
...but there happened to be a Coldstone Creamery along the way... so, of course, we had to stop!
More pictures (including this one) on the Strand's blog!
