Day 1
I took a quick picture after we pulled out when we were stopped at a light! Ready for a brand new adventure!
These are some images from the social story they sent us to read to Ashley. It really helped when she saw the luggage and then I read it again 2 times in the car. She really liked the images of swimming and we kept mentioning "we are going to camp"!!!
This was the welcome each family got driving into Camp Allen location. They asked if we wanted quiet, medium or loud welcome! These were some of the STM's (Short Term Missionary) that did the welcome and the others were at parking area to carry all our bags! These STM's pay their way or raise money to come and be a buddy to our children all week! It's hard to understand why some would pay to come love on our children all week except that they have love of Christ that overflows!
This was Ashley's STM Tara VanDover and Ashley loved her from the start! As soon as we met Tara, Jeremy and I both felt at peace about Ashley's well being this week. She was confident and so excited to meet Ashley! She was not afraid of Ashley's behavior and soaked in all the information she needed to help Ashley have best week possible! Tara has an older sister Evin with special needs who was also a camper this week! It was such a joy to get to know her mom Leanne and sister too!
This was welcome session the first night and we did some fun songs! There were 46 other families that were at Joni & Friends Retreat @ Camp Allen 2. They have Retreats all over the US but the one in Texas is hosted at Camp Allen and right now they only have 3 sessions. It includes all disabilities and all ages!
Ice cream social was the first night and of course both kids love it!
Day 2
Every morning after breakfast we would walk around the dining hall and Ashley would lead us to the swings by tennis courts. She loved this place and so did Noah! I also loved how the sun would shine through the trees at this time of morning!
At 9am we would do family worship time in the chapel for about 10 minutes singing songs with lots of actions. Then the kid went downstairs with STM's to start their fun day! The adults then had options during 915am-3pm that they could participate in. There was adult devotion at 915am which was such a blessing to hear from a pastor attending who had a special needs child. After worship first day, we went back to room and took a 2 hour nap since night was an adjustment with all 4 of us in a small room together.
Ashley got to try fishing for first time today which I don't think she will ever request it in the future. :) She did love riding on the trailer to get out to the lake!
Noah had a great time in siblings class with other kids his age! They did bible class, crafts, outdoor activities, small pools, sensory rooms, etc.
Can you find Noah?
This was the pool by rooms that we went to every afternoon during family time at 3-5pm.
They had a giant water slide the first day that ALL kids could participate in. Noah went once with daddy but he wasn't a fan. Ashley did not want to leave the pool so she didn't get to try this year.
Second night was family dance and the them was Summer Olympics!
Marilyn Dixon came to dance with us also! I loved to see her joining Ashley in her dance moves!!!! :)
Morning picture of Ashley on her 7th birthday July 1st!
We chose to go horse back riding this morning and it was an hour ride which made us all a little sore since not use to that! :)
There was always a PBJ station for each meal which Ashley preferred!
While the parents had a nice dinner, the kids had a balloon fight and shaving cream fight outside! Then they got to enjoy ice cream after to finish a fun night!
These were the cabins we stayed in and there was another identical building next to it!
This is the huge swing on the ropes courses that Jeremy talked me into doing with him! Yikes!
Ashley's group getting ready to head to large pool!
Hurray! I am so thankful our friend Amy recorded Ashley's first Talent Show performance at Joni & Friends Retreat with her daddy and we hope there are many more to come! video is much better than my pictures! Ashley was a little overwhelmed with lights and crowd but warmed up a little at the end especially when Jeremy twirled too! I think she was noticing Noah sitting with his class in front row! I was holding back tears seeing her able to perform with 40 other very talented special people! Jeremy, you are a wonderful daddy and this video shows your love for her!
Noah's class did a dance to song but it was a new experience for Noah. He was scared and started crying until Jeremy came up next to him to help him finish song! Love it!
Last morning of breakfast and then we had family share time. We were sad to leave but ready to all sleep in our own rooms! God willing we hope to return to Joni & Friends Retreat every summer!!!!
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