Midweek Surprise!

Havin' a blast...

Kaden didn't want to leave Ryan. Ryan, Evan, and Kaitlynn desperately wanted to travel with them and spend an extra couple of days with Grandma and Grandpa Burley, but somehow the thought of 7 kids and 2 adults in a minivan didn't exactly seem sane or safe.

Saying goodbye...

It wasn't a total surprise, but seemed that way for the kids cause they really didn't know anything about it. Mark and Jana stopped by for a few hours on their way up to Cedar Springs. We are headed there in a couple of days, once Greg gets off work New Year's Eve, but it was fun for us to have a little extra time since we only see each other 3 or 4 times a year.

When we are together we usually scope out a cheap place to feed 8 kids...East of Chicago buffet won out this time...kids under 12 eat free! Yay! :)

Yount Reunion Pt. 2

Once again, Craig and Alisa opened Germantown Pizza to us for our gathering. We had an awesome meal together Christmas day, and spent the evening catching up with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Most of us were exhausted by 10 o'clock Christmas night, and made our way to various hotels in the area. GBS allowed us to use the gym, and a few of the guys closed out the evening playing basketball (which provided me with a couple of hours of total peace and quiet at the hotel!).
A few special memories:
1. Uncle John's devotional reminding us that time is short and our most powerful weapon against sin is the Word of God. He encouraged us to spend more time in personal Bible study and prayer, which would enable us to be strong in the face of temptation.
2. Uncle Joe's challenge to spend 5 minutes in daily prayer for the children of our families. What God could do through them if they surrender to His plan is an amazing thought.
3. Craig's testimony to a renewed sense of urgency in his own life regarding the time that he has and how he wants it to count for something greater than himself.
4. Dad, Eric, and Uncle Jeff shared comments regarding their personal ministries, and how God is working in their respective places.
On Saturday, we all met again at Grandma Yount's for a time of "close" fellowship (I believe her house is about 1200 sq. ft....thank God for sunshine that day!), and lots of food. After a few hours, we made our way down to the Creation Museum in Kentucky, to take part in their spectacular live nativity and garden of lights. It was incredible, and so much more fun with the huge group of family that came. Along the way we were able to see some friends and acquaintances from over the years...the Marshall's, Blackmon's, Coleman's, Hickman's, Stamper's...it was a great night for families!
Here are a few more pics...

Yount Reunion Pt. 1

I'm still amazed at the love of this family for family. Over 60 people, 26 of them under the age of 6, showing up to spend a quality two days together...investing part of themselves in the continuation of a heritage that is beyond what any of us can describe.
This kind of thing doesn't happen by accident. When a multitude of small children and large appetites are involved, dedication and hard work are mandatory. Hours on the road, money spent for lodging, cooking, baking, cleaning, and organizing...it's all part of it.
What's it worth? Ask Jeremy Yount, who along with his wife and two children under the age of three, found out only Christmas Eve that his work schedule would permit them to travel from Greenville, SC to Cincinnati for the celebration. They jumped out of bed this morning, packed the kids up, and were here by early evening. I'd say it's pretty important to them!
Here are some pics from our day...