Camping and ATI Conference

Last week, our family was blessed to attend the annual ATI Regional Conference at the ALERT Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. We had a GREAT time! For the second year in a row, we camped for the event. This year we truly moved up when it comes to the world of camping. Grandpa and Nana allowed us to take their deluxe fifth wheel trailer. Talk about luxury! Add with that the ice maker that the Mount family brought, along with the frappuccinos that the Covey family made, and camping jumped up to a whole new level. The weather couldn't have been any nicer. Not a single bit of rain and no tornado threats. Yeah! We were minus a couple of daughters so we brought along a "rent-a-daughter" to stand in their place, Olivia Kraft. Olivia was a joy to have around and was lots of fun for Lillie & Dennah.

This fabulous trailer that Grandpa & Nana allowed us to use. Brent was the hero of our family when he drove us down on Sunday AM then headed home that night to go to work on Monday & Tuesday. He then returned on Tuesday night (very late...1:30 AM) just in time to go to the first men's meeting at 7:00 AM on Wednesday. What a guy! He even had a great attitude when we blew two tires on our way home on Saturday. Yes, my wonderful husband is my hero!

Lillie (17) & Olivia Kraft (18)

Joe Mount (13), Parker (8) & Becker (11)

This was Parker's first year in the ALERT Cadets. He had been looking forward to this for years! We even bought Parker his first real ALERT pants which he wore for three long, sweaty, action packed days! Joe was a blessing to both boys as he served as an assistant squad leader for their team (Red 1). Becker & Parker were also thrilled to be on the same team with many of their other friends...John Berry, Benjamin Burnett, and Stuart & Oliver Covey. Red 1 was the place to be!

Camie, Clay & Emma (all 5) were spent their time in the Children's Institute program.

They had so much fun learning about the Blessings of God.

Dennah was very blessed to play in the student orchestra in the 1st violin section this year. For the past two years, Dennah served as a Children's Institute leader so being part of the orchestra with her special friends...Brittney, Brooke & Brenna Chatham and Hannah & Abbie Burnett...was a delightful treat. Dennah truly enjoys playing the violin!

Dennah (15) & Clara Covey (14)

The Covey family was also at the conference. We enjoyed catching up with our dear friends.

We ended up staying an extra night and playing the day after the conference. Becker & Parker were excited to show everyone the climbing and repelling tower they used during their time with the ALERT Cadets.

We are always blessed to attend the annual ATI Conference. It is the yearly "boost" that this mama needs. The speakers are always so encouraging and inspiring. The children's programs are a huge blessing to our family and the student sessions for the older children are equally as beneficial. An added bonus is the special time we spend with dear and precious friends. It is an annual event the entire family looks forward each year.

We praise God that we are able to home educate our children for His glory.