Bonclarken

 When first moved here two years ago, we visited a lot of churches... like a lot.  It took us a long time to feel like God wanted us at Clover ARP.  Honestly, I still struggle with some things at the church, but we feel like the issues that we have (as of now) are minor issues... not Kingdom issues.  But, that is perhaps a post for another day.

 I have been in many different denominations in my lifetime, but never ARP.  Apparantly, within the  ARP church, Bonclarken is the thing to do.  Our church, once a year, takes a weekend camping (or hoteling if you dont camp) to Bonclarken.  It is a time of fellowship and fun.  I will be honest and say that I was absolutely wiped out after our first Bonclarken experience.

Here is a run down of what we did at Bonclarken.

Eat.  This was by far the best meal we ate, probably because we did it on our own with a couple other families.

Yum Yum, eat 'em up

Zipline.  Hunter and I did this together so I didnt get any pictures of us going down.  But, Jay and Ashton went together and Ashton loved it.  He then went down Couirtney as well.

Jay and Ashton getting ready to go up

High up there.

Love this.  Ashton threw his arms out once he saw Jay throw his out.

My turn to go up.  Hunter was still getting his harness on.

Rock Climb.  Ashton was quite the rock climber.  He did all 3 levels and was complimented by the instructor guy... so of course now, he thinks he is the best rock climber of all time.  Hunter did not attempt it, more on that later.  And Shepherd attempted it as well.

He really was good.  

Wrestle.  For the most part, we hung out with Jay, Courtney and their girls and Matt and Danielle (who are getting married this fall!!!)  Matt, Jay, and Danielle played with our boys so much.

Bless Matt.  You can tell that he is the youngest of 4 kids and has bunch of nieces and nephews.  Shepherd was quite comfortable with Matt and "fawted" on him. 

Danielle and Matt playing a game with a bunch of the kiddos.

Matt and Jay getting Ash and Shep to kiss each others feet.

Kickball.  No picture of this mostly adult kick ball game, but it was funny and competitive.  Jay graciously picked me first and then I dropped the first ball kicked to me (never claimed to be good with my hands).

Stay up late.

Glow sticks and movie night

One of the few pics of Chad.  During most of the activities, he took Bennett back to the room to take a nap.... he might have taken one too. ;)

Have church.  Sunday morning we had a church service outside and sang a couple songs.

Bike/ Pool.  No pics of the pool,

Bennett lovin the pink 4 wheeler

Hilarious picture of our pastor pulling some of the littles around

Some fun pics of what happens when you 

1) havent ridden a bike in awhile. 

2)  ride an old bike with iffy brakes.  

3) ride a bike that isnt yoiurs.

4)  dont wear a helmet. 

Thankfully, Hunter has healed really fast.  His scab has already basically come all the way off and has been replaced with shiny, pink, baby skin.

Ouch.  He totally wiped out... from his knee, to elbow, to back , a little spot on his belly, and head.  

This is blurry and doesnt do it justice.  But, a couple hours after this was taken, he had a great a goose egg and a deep blue bruise (which you can kind of see forming in this picture).

A CVS trip worth $45 and a $4 Starbucks coffee for me and he is good to go.  

So, what do I think about Bonclarken?  It was fun but exhausting.  We got to know some people better and formed some stronger connections with some friends we already had.  Hopefully, we will get to go next year.  I know the boys, especially Hunter since he missed out on some fun, will want to go back.

And thanks to Uncle Nolan for watching Molls and Mosie.