Clergy Kids and Family Retreat Weekend

The boys had a four-day weekend last week when it was time for Clergy Kids. We started out with a pre-trip to Disney, staying overnight at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We had dessert at Shutters before heading to our room. The boys love these rooms with the pull-down beds that sleep five and the theming here was super impressive. We were in the Jamaica section of the resort. 

        

Friday morning we ate breakfast at The Wave inside the Contemporary Resort. They had a really nice breakfast buffet - the family favorite was the grits with cheese and applewood bacon. It wasn't busy so we got out in good time and took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. 

We did some tried and true favorites with Fastpass and tried a new thing - the Enchanted Tiki Room. 

We ended up standing in line for Mine Train and someone fell asleep. Daryl and I wish we could fall asleep in line and let the boys hold us. 

We left and met our friends the Holdens for dinner in Leesburg before checking into the retreat. After some fun and games and worship, we crashed out hard for the night. Saturday was lots of fun, with worship, kids small groups and bounce house time. 

Davis and Mary Elizabeth were best buddies all weekend.

Instead of a Scavenger Hunt we played a giant trivia game with physical challenges in the chapel. This one was "wrap a pastor up like a mummy in toilet paper." Parker was in group 4 and his group won! 

There was a talent show along with fun and games in the fellowship hall after dinner. Someone claimed the panda bear prop from the Photo Booth for himself. 

Saturday night worship including our friend James singing "The Clergy Kid Blues," laser lights during praise time and the graduating senior candlelight ceremony. 

Wesley's elementary class made this crayon cross for our graduating senior Emma. Elyse is a college Clergy Kid who came as a counselor and the other four are moving from middle school to high school before the next retreat. 

Sunday morning worship included performances from Wesley's class (reciting a memory verse) and Parker's class (doing an original skit about being a clergy kid). 

After closing worship we took some pictures inside the chapel of the Holdens and us and then  headed out for a little time on the dock. 

Our Allen-Holden tradition is to walk the Path of Silence and climb the tree for a while before heading out. 

We drove to Davenport and got hotel rooms there and just relaxed for the afternoon. Monday we all spent time at Legoland. Daryl took the big three boys on a quest to conquer all four roller coasters in the park. They had a blast together, while the Holdens and I let the littles enjoy taking their time on some smaller rides just for them. It was a wonderful time of friendship, fellowship and reconnection.