Christmas Break 2011

As is the growing tradition, we take a vacation between Christmas and New Years dedicated to being together.  Unlike previous years which was a snow trip or a trip to SD and Dizzyland, we chose to hit the beach at Rincon Parkway in Ventura to enjoy the forecasted 70 degree and sunny weather.  The time did not disappoint...

Both Jenn and I planned to catch up and do some joint planning into the New Year.  Well that never happened...  But what did happen, just lots of fun and reflection on God work in our lives and His blessing in such profound ways.  We spent tons of time recreating, cooking, and sitting around the fire in addition to a few jaunts here and there.  Look at the photos and get a peek...

Camp site front yard - Ventura's Gold Coast

Camp evenings at fireside

The "Rustler" Camp Cook - Dutch Oven Style

Evening sun sets - Gods handiwork on display

Santa Barbara area riding with the kiddos

Hydration break with the wifey and some lunch for the kiddos!

Time to slay some perch!

The trip was full of activity.  The Martins could learn to rest more - note to self.  We enjoyed much and some of the highlights were:

• Surfing Campus Point with the kids at evening - both kids went for it and we said hello to local surfing pro Bobby Martinez!
• Fishing a ton - we slayed em out there...
• Lots of cooking together and eating outside.  We only prepared breakfast and lunch inside.  The rest was open fire cooking...
• Loved talking with the wifey and kids as we settled down in the evening.
• Enjoyed having no agenda to speak of...
• Visiting with Mike and Jenn Easter clan in Ventura and seeing their family grow.
• Looking at the stars and pondering on our creator God.
• Enjoyed a New Years eve visit with TT and Korey and spent the evening with a meal and some games.  Enjoyed having the praise song Glorious going through my head all evening long and then to bed by 10pm.  Boy we are real night owls...
• A little road ride along the coast and remembering how many times I've done this route before.
• Seeing my family do what they do...

At the time of writing this post I am really reflecting on the amazingly free life we live and wonderful experiences we have.  I am encouraged (and somewhat scared) of the reality that we are blessed so that we might bless others.  Our family speaks of this often, and living in real grace in this fact.  We are still in the throws as a family determining our short term "to-do's" in 2012 and ready to state our goals.  Look forward to prayerfully taking this new year on, and all that it brings.  Praise God for all years before, and this next year!

God bless you all, and thank you for reading...