The same year that we came on staff at Camp Forest Springs, so did the Schutts and Smiths.  It’s crazy to think that that was already almost four years ago. At that time we all lived in the same apartment building and spent many evenings together playing games and hanging out. Four years ago though, none of us had kids.  Now that we all have kids it is not nearly as often that we get to spend time together.  Bedtimes tend to cut into the evenings. However, we did get together again the other night for dinner and we had such a good time watching our kids play together.  It’s crazy to think that four years ago none of these beautiful children were around.  Between the three of our families we have had seven kids in the last four year! Crazy! Talk about the next generation of staff kids!  We are so blessed!

Simon, Lauren, Hudson, and Truman

Alivia, and Tava

The other day was Matt’s day off.  I sent the boys upstairs with Matt to get dressed, and put Alivia on our bed while I went to get myself ready for the day.  About a half an hour later I went upstairs to see what they were up to.  And this is what I found….



As you can see, they obviously didn’t get dressed, but instead were playing Mr. Fix-it on our bed. It was just so funny I had to share!

Well it has finally happened! (actually it happened sooner than I expected it to) Hudson has decided that he is a big boy!  We had been telling him for months that after Christmas he was going to be a big boy and not wear diapers any more.  So he got big boy underwear for Christmas to try to help build the excitement.  We started off letting him wear it when he wanted to, which was typically just in the morning and then in the afternoon we would go back to diapers.  That lasted for a week.  I was all ready to keep having to buy diapers for a while still.  In fact I had just bought a new case of diapers when one night Hudson informed me that “I big boy mom, I not wear diapers anymore!” And since then we’ve been pretty close to accident free!  Good Job Hudson! You are a big boy!

This year for Christmas, the Huffman’s stayed home.  It worked out for us to be home this year and to create some traditions of our own.  The boys loved being home just hanging out, having sword fights, turning on the Christmas lights at night, helping dad shovel snow as needed and especially spending Christmas eve with the Hawns (an LTD couple from camp staying at camp for Christmas).  Simon and Hudson really loved going to church on Christmas Eve and getting to open presents after supper that night. 

Christmas Eve

Simon’s new Tinker Toys

We were able to take the boys out to camp for a few tubing adventures.  Hudson didn’t know what to think about it at first, until he had to sit in the van one time. Now he is sold on it.

Miss Alivia’s First Christmas

Turkey Day this year was in Platteville, Wisconsin with Julie’s extended family.  We convinced the crew to try the famous ‘trash can turkey’.  The bird turned out great, moist and delicious. 

Earlier in the day, the kids made turkey cookies.

Here is Anna, Simon and Seth patiently assembling marshmallows

Aunt Jessica helping Hudson (who isn’t feeling the best hence the long face)

Matt carvng the bird

Matt preparing to sample the bird before serving it.  A good cook always samples before serving

The whole family sitting down to eat