Football....will it ever end?

Just a few more weeks of football.  Just a few more weeks until we actually get to go home after school and STAY there until the next morning.  Oh, I can hardly wait...

Sunday thoughts....

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me.”  Erma Bombeck

Family Time

Our first camping trip was over 10 years ago.  Adam was just a baby.  We spent the night in a tent and we were miserable.  We had joined some friends at the last minute and we were unprepared.  However, the boys had a great time. Despite the cold, uncomfortable (and long) night, we decided to give camping another try. 

The guys at the top of Lover's Leap above the Natural Tunnel

We took our small tax refund check and bought a tent, camp stove, lanterns, and a few other basic supplies.  We were ready.  

Checking out a pig at Martin's Station and discussing the economy.

Since that initial camping trip, we've bought and traded a pop-up camper and two fifth wheel campers. We've visited 22 states, many historic sites, and state/national parks.  Almost all vacations are planned around our camper.  Adam once asked if we could go to Hawaii.  I told him probably not because the camper would have a hard time crossing the ocean.

We've traveled solo and with other families.  We've put many, many miles on our truck.

Zach, Adam, and Clay at Martin's Station in Virginia (Oct. 2009)

While the trips have been memorable, the best thing about camping is the time we spend together as a family.  Now, I'd be less than honest if  I left the impression that our camping trips are always filled with "smiles and happiness."  They're not.

We have our fair share of grumbling, (one particular incident at Yellowstone will forever be ingrained in my memory) but we also have lots of laughter and happy times. We've visited many beautiful places together.  The word at the end of that sentence is the reason we enjoy camping.  Together.  

I love the quote..."We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."  

That sums it up for the Williams family.  

Cumberland Gap-Fall Break

Pinnacle Point

We packed up the camper and headed to Cumberland Gap, TN this past Friday.  A weekend spent with family and friends.  No alarm clocks, no football practice/games, no after-school jobs, no homework, nothing but relaxation and re-connecting as a family.  

Morning hike with Adam

It was a beautiful place.  

Saturday Football Game

The Middle Child

Fishing at Granny and Papa's

He doesn't have a lot of patience with people.  However, put a fishing pole in his hand and he will stand still for hours.  I've watched him patiently wait for a shy kitten to crawl up in his lap when no one else could coax it out of hiding.   When it comes to animals, he has unlimited patience.

Several  years ago he spent an entire afternoon in a creek trying to catch a trout. We were camping with another family and the kids got the bright idea to try and catch a trout with their bare hands. They tried for about an hour and gave up.  But not Zach.   He stood bent over in the creek with his hands in the water for most of the afternoon.  Patiently waiting for a trout to come close enough for him to catch.  The other kids would call for him to come play but he stayed in the creek.  He was on a mission to catch a trout.  I'll never forget the excitement that erupted when he caught the trout or the big grin on his face.  

I'm a firm believer that God "wired" my kids personalities a certain way because He has grand plans for them.  While I get frustrated with his lack of patience with people, I'm reminded that his strong will and quiet determination are there for a reason.  God has a plan for each of my boys.  Someday those traits, if he remains obedient to God, will serve him well.  I'm looking forward to watching those plans unfold.

Building a fire

I brought the camera with me on our Labor Day camping trip.  I was just too lazy to take any pictures. 

I did manage to snap a few of Adam trying to build a campfire.  

Then Bob stepped in to help.

When I compare this picture to pictures taken less than a year ago, I'm stunned by the difference. 

No more boys at my house anymore.....only young men.