Dave and Jan left Cedar City on July 1 with their camping trailer for the drive to Maxwell, Nebraska (just east of North Platte) to take part in a family camp at Maranatha Bible Camp with their daughter, Alissa, and son-in-law, Andrew, and their four boys.

Also attending the camp were Andrew’s father and mother and Andrew’s two brothers and most of the members of their families (for a total of over twenty five in all from our group).

The camp’s schedule was fairly relaxed – with meals in the dining room, a family-friendly session in the camp chapel and some family devotional materials for each family to share in morning hours, free time with lots of options during afternoon hours, and an evening chapel service in the early evening hours. It was a nice break for the ladies to have all meals prepared cafeteria style.

There were numerous recreational activities during free times (afternoons especially), with many of them centered around the swimming pool and the lake (with its many options).

Grandpa Alan Crandall with Andrew and Alissa’s youngest, Ephraim.

Grandma Jan (Crandall) playing Bananagrams with grandsons.

Ephraim, Grandpa Alan, Alissa and Levi playing miniature golf.

Elijah and his Dad, Andrew, trail riding.

July 4th was celebrated with an evening fireworks display above the lake which is owned by the camp.

On the trip home Dave and Jan traveled apart from Andrew and family, though they camped overnight together at the KOA in Rawlins, Wyoming. The Crandalls, though, joined the Balsleys in Cedar City where they spent the next week doing things together in the Cedar City area – like paying a visit to Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Mammoth Caves, which the Crandall boys enjoyed exploring.

With Stephen’s family living in Cedar City, the visit from the Crandalls also provided the opportunity for some family reunion activities – including some meals and snacks at the Top Spot Restaurant. Times spent with family are among the best times in life, so Dave and Jan enjoyed having the family together!