Oh Noooo... Say It Isn't Friday, Already!

Spring Break and Week One of Lighthouse 2012 is drawing to a close, but the fun is staying strong. Today, families had a stunning day of sunshine, cool breezes and fun on the beach and then an evening of music, Nicole's slide show of this week's photos - and lotsa new memories by the pool.

And don't forget Chef Jim's low country boil dinner! As usual, it was awesome and everyone was trying to forget what the scales will say at home! It's tough to lose weight at Lighthouse! The food rocks!

Tomorrow morning, we'll say our See Ya Later's... waaaaay too soon.

How long is it until Week Two begins?!?

(Psst... the answer is the beginning of June, so be sure to check back when Season 2012 resumes for more blog fun!)

Thursday can only mean one thing: Talent Show Mania!

Well, there were a few worries that the skies might not clear for Talent Show Night, but God had big plans for everyone at Lighthouse - and they did not include rain! In fact, just as it seemed the dark clouds would dampen the prospects for fun, a massive rainbow sprawled across the sky - and then a double rainbow mirrored it!

It was spectacular!

It was also a gorgeous reminder that God is always in control and wants beauty for our lives. The evening was filled with laughter, music, dancing, comedians, skits, fun - and hula hooping! If you've never seen a Lighthouse Talent Show, you don't need another reason to head south. It alone is worth the trip! Laughing and celebrating fun with families you've grown to love is awesome!!

Wednesday was all about FUN!

Just ask any of the kids at Lighthouse which day is their favorite and they will surely say MOVIE NIGHT! (Well, that's because many haven't experienced Talent Show Night, yet!) Tonight, the retreat family parents got to go out on a bona fide date and their kids stayed behind with Family Partners to have a fun evening of popcorn, ice cream & a movie outside under the tent!

The skies cleared for an awesome night of laughter and kids glued to the big screen!

Stay tuned for more pix...

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Well, the Lord only gives us what we need - and today He decided we need RAIN! When we woke up, it was POURING! Well, our word of the day was scheduled to be flexibility - and it proved to be apt! The family partners had an awesome time hanging out with the retreat families and eventually the sun came out from behind the clouds.

A little rain can't dampen Lighthouse fun!

Tonight was a blast - if you've never been a part of Italian Night at Lighthouse, you need to come on down and join in the fun sometime!! There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world - not even Italy...

Just ask our retreat families and you're sure to hear that it's amazing!

Today was extra special because everyone got to know each other a lot more and began forming new relationships that will be cherished for years to come...

Here are a few pictures of the day!

2012 Season Has Officially Begun!!

Today was the first day of 2012 Week One at Lighthouse Family Retreat - and it was AWESOME!

Fifteen families from near and far made their way by plane and automobile (are we there, yet?) to finally gather on the Gulf Place lawn at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It's tough to describe how cool it is to see retreat families and their family partners meet for the first time.

Picture lotsa love - with a dash of "What's this going to be like?" blended together.

Now that nearly everyone has had their toes in the sand & splashed in the pool, there are a whole lotta kids - and parents, ha - getting ready for some seriously sound sleep!

But, first, Chef Jim has a fresh batch of his trademark macaroni & cheese in the field for the teenagers. Sleep? Who needs sleep?

Here are a few pix of the day. Be sure to tune in each evening for a peek of fun, Lighthouse style!