A Sweet Moment-RV summer trip cont

Somewhere in CA during one of our stops, my man and I got some couch time. Of course we were surrounded by our 5 amazing kids...but we were there together and it was sweet. Hannah took some pics and I am so glad she did. I will always remember it! :)

Song of Solomon 6:3 I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine

A Beautiful Surprise Stop-RV summer trip cont

Even though our detour through Santa Barbara was not planned, it ended up being such a beautiful surprise. We stayed at a great RV park called Ocean Mesa right across from El Capitan Beach. It was my 3 little muffins first time to see the ocean so it was quite exciting. There was a huge grove of trees that we walked through to get to the beach and we kept commenting on how gorgeous they were. On our very last day, John figured out it was an avocado grove! I desperately tried to shake, throw sticks and even attempted to climb up a tree to get one...but it was a major fail! We cooked out, went to the beach, swam in a heated pool and cooked s'mores. It was so much fun we stayed an extra night. I love how God works out all the little details in our life...even in the detours!

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

The avocado grove

Our first view of the Pacific Ocean

John was not to crazy about the cold water that hurt his boo boos

Getting firewood for breakfast and some hot chocolate with Dad

Who ever said I can't camp?? Of course the RV helped quite a bit..hehe :)

A Detour and a Bridesmaid-RV summer trip cont

After our delicious stop at the fruit farm, we made a small detour to the Santa Barbara area. One of my very dear friends of all times was heading to a graduation celebration at the Gainey Winery in Santa Ynez. It was not in our plans to go this way but my man made it happen. He knows how special Toni is to me so we re-routed and headed west. I have known Toni since high school and we have been through a lot together. High school, heartaches, college craziness and both coming to know the power and grace of our redeemer. She was one of my bridesmaids and to me, she is the picture of a sweet and gentle spirit. And have I mentioned that she is drop dead gorgeous? Well she is...both inside and out! We had a short visit, caught up a bit, shared lots of hugs and laughs. She got to meet my 2 littlest ones for the first time and made a special little bond with Rebekah. I wish it could've been longer but oh how sweet it was to see my Toni in person after 7 years!

I am the Vine

After the Grand Canyon, we headed to California and ended up staying in an RV park in Bakersfield. On the way out my incredible husband saw a sign that caught his attention: Murray Family Farms. This is a huge farm that sits on 360 acres and is filled with every kind of fruit you can imagine. I had never been in an orchard so I was so totally excited to actually get to pick fruit off of a tree. And let me tell you....there is nothing that compares! Amazing!!

Only a few days before we had read John 15:5 and memorized the verse. What a great way to make the Word come alive!

John 15:5 '"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;

apart from me you can do nothing...."

As we were walking in a group of soldiers were leaving. I love this picture! So thankful for the men and women who faithfully serve our country.

The tractor would drive us around to all of the different areas where the fruit was ready...peaches, nectarines, plums. blueberries, strawberries, blackberries...YUM!

A mouth full of warm strawberries

John hit the jackpot...blackberries!!

One huge blackberry!

My mom and her friend decided this depicts the fall: Eve tempting Adam. Check out my little man's face

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."

This was the proverb we read that morning and it became a memory verse for the rest of the trip! Another great teachable moment that He totally set up.

Saying goodbye to the farm. Our time here was one of my favorite memories of the trip!

And.....enjoying the fruit of our labor!