Beach Week 2013

 

Beach Week 2013 Cookie

Family times are always important.  Even after all five of us kids were married, it didn’t take much to get us together to celebrate whether it was birthdays, Memorial Day, 4^th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or just because it was a Saturday when families could come.  For over 30 years now, beach week has been a part of our family tradition.  While growing up, it was a much anticipated week for the Bertrand boys, and it still is today.  The “cousins” would make plans, all year long, for that special week.  

 

Since we rent a house in Galveston, it makes it easier for the ones who need to be at work or attend workshops during the week to come and go.  There were 23 of us who enjoyed “Beach Week 2013” including 4 little ones of the “Next generation.”  We loved spending time with David and Ryen and Adam and Jordan’s sons, Eli and Josiah.  We visited, laughed, played on the beach, played games, ate meals, read, rested, and enjoyed life together for the week.  On Wednesday night, we took the annual trip to eat at Michael Burgers, play miniature golf, and enjoy a refreshing snow cone.  The last night, the girls spend time tweaking the list for next summer so we have an updated list of groceries and know who is bringing what for the week. 

 

Larry loves beach week, too.  For years, he was the only dad who could be there all week, and he served us all well.  Larry keeps his updated beach list on his computer so it is easier to pack everything we need.  Four days before we were to leave, he had the list printed, the counter full of what we were taking, the suitcases were out, and he had shopped for groceries.  He was ready!

 

There is something to be said about a break in the daily routine and schedule that encourages one to rest, relax, and be renewed.  Looking out at a large body of water is a constant reminder that God is Creator and in control.  Jesus reminded us that it is important to observe a time of rest.  When we take time to pause and remember who He is and what He has done, we are ready to love and serve our world in His Name. 

 

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

Psalm 62:1

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Psalm 62:5

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29

 

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Mark 6:31

David and Chad

 

David spent lots of time digging

Ryen and Josiah had a relaxing time at the beach

Chad and Lori

Kirk, Melissa, and Andrew taking out the kayaks

David and Eli

Melissa, Jordan, and Sarah

Sarah and David

Jordan, Josiah, Adam, Eli

Grandma Robin and Josiah

David driving his car

Eli and David spent hours playing on the bottom 2 steps

 

Eli, Micki, and Kevin

Granddad and Ryen



Granddad and David

Chad, Lori, and Ryen

Ryen and Lori

David and his golf goggles



Grandpa Kirk and Eli



Chad and David

Chad, Lori. and David

 

Grandmom and Ryen

Ryen

Uncle Brad and Ryen

Celebrating David's 3rd Birthday

Opening presents

Melinda, Brad, Sarah, Micki, Ryen
Fun to celebrate with lots of family!

hard hat with light, vest, and a Tonka dump
truck from Uncle Brad and Aunt Melinda

Lots of fun at Beach Week