Swart Life: Vacation

We planned a "very last minute" vacation last week. Due to the fact that Jeff had had a rather stressful week with ministry and knowing that he was starting a summer series in Revelation beginning next Sunday, we made a fast decision on taking last week off. Sometimes that is the best kind, as you don't have time to stress over it. We were blessed in being able to rent a beautiful condo on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri for six nights. This was the view from our patio:

The spacious living room

And beautiful open kitchen stocked with dishes, pots and pans, etc.

This was the master bedroom

(the condo had 3 bedrooms, all with king sized beds

and two large baths)

The first three days, Jeff and I totally relaxed. We would go into Branson in the mornings, walk 76 Strip for 45 minutes or more, eat lunch, then come back to the condo. I would spend some time at the pool, while he napped, read, etc.

I did no cooking during those days!

Wednesday afternoon, Rachel joined us. Jonathan has a new job, so didn't have any vacation days to take off, so we missed him. Rachel and I spent Thursday doing what I had been doing the previous days. Walking, sunbathing, relaxing!

Thursday afternoon, Andy, Carman, Laine and Ellie joined us. Shortly after arriving, Laine and Rachel dressed for the pool.

Aunt Ray Ray is showing her where they are going.

Letting her play with the frog fountain

It was pretty cool, since it was late afternoon, so Rachel was the

only brave soul to get in the water with Laine.

Papa and Ellie

Andy and Carman enjoying the pretty weather

DeDe and Lainey-Bug

I had fixed dinner for the kids that evening and then we had a relaxing evening, playing games on the patio, etc. Laine is at that age where she loves to wrestle and Papa enjoys every minute of it.

After a big breakfast, Friday morning, we all headed to the pool. Daddy with his girl.

Papa taking his turn

Ellie Kate just hanging out

Precious girl. Carman had taken her to the doctor on Thursday for her first month appointment. Sadly, she found out that Ellie had broken her clavicle bone during the birthing process. So that explains why she would cry out whenever she was picked up or moved around. She also is struggling with acid reflux. Thankfully the break is healing and the doctor prescibed some meds for the reflux. She was a good girl in spite of it all during her time with us.

Aunt Ray Ray and DeDe with the Bug

Rachel left mid afternoon on Friday to head back to NWA where she was meeting Jonathan after he got off work and then going to his parents' cabin where they were joining all of J's family for a long weekend visit.

Josh and Erika joined us Friday evening for dinner and a visit. One more time for some fun at the pool with Laine. She loves to slide, so Daddy and Uncle J.J. fixed her up a mini slide and boy did she have fun!