My Family August 2007

I don't think it is nuclear (see http://kentslife.blogspot.com/2007/05/nuclear-family.html ) anymore. So what is it?

Schnake Family Vacation August 2007

Barbara has a gift that I admire. She sees an opening for a terrific family occasion of some sort and she provides enough motivation to get us moving and planning and joining in. She does it gently but with great strength and perserverance. Eventually the rest of us catch the vision and help with the preparation. I thank God for his gift to Barbara.

We realized a few months back that all of our children would be at home in early August, including our son-in-law Viggo and our grandson Daniel. Coordinating a trip was challenging. It is likely to become even more difficult in the years to come. Therefore we are very grateful to have had this opportunity.

We really savored this trip. The weather, the cars, ferries, and our health all went well. The rental house, our food planning, and the local scenery and points of interest were excellent.

However, by far the very best was the abundance of love that each showed to each throughout the trip. It is a test of sorts to see how eight people in a rather isolated (albeit beautiful and well equipped) cabin will work through the inevitable bits of friction and differences of opinion. It was a joy to see my family showing love for one another in all sorts of ways. It was a joy to be loved by them. The scenery, the cabin, the travel , the locals, and many other things were very nice indeed. But each act of loving kindness transcended even that beautiful setting and filled us with joy and thankfullness. This is a memory that I will cherish all the days of my life.

Here is a link to a few photos in a web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/kschnake/August2007SchnakeFamilyGathering