Every year, Joni and Friends hosts a donation luncheon to raise money for their ministry. This year, Kevin and I were asked to share how Joni and Friends Family Retreat has impacted our lives. I didn’t know it at the time, but our dear friend friend Lari was taking photos and then decided to record it. Thought I would share it with you all. We had already started speaking before she hit record, but not much was missed.
For more information about Joni and Friends and how you can support families like ours, visit www.joniandfriends.org/texas
Ever since he was little Gideon has loved being in the water. And since he has a winter birthday, it just makes sense that we should celebrate with a trip to Great Wolf Lodge.
Laynie suggested we make this his birthday trip every year. And I think Gideon, Josiah and Nya would be okay with that.
The best part about the trip is that Gideon was so worn out at the end of the day, that he slept SO well in the unfamiliar hotel bed. The biggest concern for me was the fact that 3 out of our 4 kids were in swim diapers. I didn’t want to be that family that shuts down the pool because my kid crapped in a swim diaper. Thankfully we had zero code browns in the pool. #win
Before you watch the slide show of Gideon’s trip to Great Wolf Lodge, I just want to say THANK YOU to the people who sent Gideon birthday cards. We had a sweet moment in the hotel room where Laynie read the cards to Gideon. I’m not sure how much he understood, but I can tell you that the rest of our family felt your love and support. Thank you for honoring him in a sweet and tangible way. <3
On January 18th, Gideon will be 6 years old. We never imagined having this many years with Gideon. Knowing you’re going to bury your child someday is a sobering reminder of the brevity of human life.
This year for his birthday, instead of more vibrating and light up toys, we are taking him and his siblings to Great Wolf Lodge for a night. Because being in the water is Gideon’s most favorite thing in the world.
People often want to send gifts for his birthday, but since it falls right after Christmas, he always has plenty of gifts. But if you feel like you want to send something, we ask that you’d send a birthday card to the post office box address below. Our plan is to read them to Gideon while we are in the hotel. Not sure how much he’ll understand (or even hear) but words/notes of encouragement always translate joy.
Thanks for loving our little guy.
Life with a Happy Heart
PO Box 1335
Rockwall Texas 75087
