The Beach!

Ashlyn and one of the volunteers, Abby.

This year we were blessed to get to participate for a second time in the Lighthouse Family Retreat program.  Our whole family had a blast taking part in this loving and therapeutic cancer-family beach retreat, where we were once again blown away by the kindness of others (Sheri and Hannah, we loved getting to know you!). 

To tell you a little about the program, they provide pediatric cancer families with an all-expense-paid vacation to the beaches along the gulf.  Housing, food, and activities are paid for.  In the mornings we all meet for breakfast and a devotion, then the volunteers take all the kids for fun activities while the parents go to a sort of group therapy (which is great!).  After that it's lunch, several hours of free time (beach here we come!), and then supper and another activity that night.  At the end of the week we were all refreshed emotionally, even if we were worn out physically!  Here are a few pictures of this fantastic week, and if you would like to know more about volunteering for this fantastic program, signing up to attend, or donating so that other families can experience the same, visit www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org .

First day there!

Emma playing 9-square.

At the beach...

Emma and Ashlyn with one of our family partners, Hannah.

More at the beach.

Emma's sandcastle (okay, Daddy's sandcastle!).

The last night, just after a beach wedding.  Yes, one of the retreat couples got married!

Us with our family partners, Hannah and Sheri.

Daddy and Emma.