Our “same place, same time” statement from our last retreat wasn’t 100% accurate this year, but at least we got the same place! With others things happening in October, we just couldn’t make it work until this February. That’s okay, we still wholeheartedly looked forward to it!
Anticipating the 2+ hour drive to Somerset, we brought along a new audio book Caleb got for Christmas, Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace. The kids listened now and again but Chris and I were engrossed. Each chapter, in and of itself, could have been a talk given in Sacrament meeting. There are so many amazing people in this world, doing amazing things, and being amazing examples. It was the perfect lead into our retreat.
Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace
Even better . . . this time we got to bring Keira, our puppy, along. It was her first long car ride with us and she did great!
Keira’s Car Accommodations
There is something to be said for pulling up to a familiar place, even if you haven’t been in over a year. The farm was just as we remembered and we were so excited to be back!
There’s Nothing like Holt Farm
We got to stay in the Old Barn (a renovated barn) again and it was comforting knowing what to expect, where things were, and we were even able to pre-assign bedrooms before we arrived.
The Old Barn
Chris was really good about planning out our schedule for the few days of the retreat, making sure our time was spent on what we wanted to focus on.
Stephenson Family Retreat Schedule
Our ‘seminars’ this year included:
- Media & Technology (and their addictive natures)
- Five Love Languages
- Minimalism
- Budgeting, Compound Interest, & Investing
- New Chore Chart System Introduction
- Rising Star Outreach Introduction (a service organization we will be helping as a family)
- Finding Happiness Now / Enjoying the Journey
- Testimony
- Giving
Our audience wasn’t the uptight, captive audience you’d find in a board room, but rather the relaxed, at ease audience you’d have at Family Home Evening. Except, with having the whole weekend centered around this event, there were no cries that it was taking too long or that they had to be somewhere else. All we had was . . . time!
Note-taking & Relaxing During Seminars
It wasn’t all note-taking and listening, though. We did have some great hands-on object lessons for most of the seminars and the kids were always so positive about them.
Learning about the “Pieces” of a Testimony
We also factored in time for fun games, like:
Airplane making & throwing contests –
Learning the Art of Airplane Making
Wrapped candy bar game –
Frozen Candy Bar Game
Of course, we still had time for un-scheduled games and fun . . .
Kid-favourite: Clue
Solitaire
During break times, the adjacent game room was a big treat (ping pong, foosball, and snooker table).
Caleb Playing Snooker
Of course, there were high aspirations for a large puzzle, but we just had so much else going on, we didn’t get too far.
Failed Puzzle Attempt
Having Keira with us helped get us out of the house for at least 30-45 minutes every morning for a big walk and then randomly throughout the day. On our first evening, I took Keira out and noticed the cows were ‘coming home’ so I tried to get closer to them for a good picture. Keira was not a fan and actually couldn’t get far enough away. The cows weren’t big on our presence either and actually started to get a bit aggressive with us. It’s a good thing there was a fence between us!
Aggressive Cows
When the cows were in their feeding barn, the scene was a lot more serene.
Rear of Holt Farm
Of course, everything always looks better in the broad daylight . . .
Cows Peacefully Eating
Safely Inside Gate
We enjoyed exploring more of Holt Farm during our walks. The girls mastered the art of ‘stile hopping’ . . .
Hannah’s Stile-Hopping Form
. . . while, Keira tried to master the art of ‘fence dodging’. There is a reason stiles are only made for people and fences are made to keep animals out.
Keira’s Attempt at Fence Dodging
Being winter, there was no end to the mud. Even with wellies, we never failed to come home with dirty trousers. But, it’s all about the experience!
Marks of Country-Traipsing
There is something to be said for walking along tractor tire marks and walking in the sheep fields.
Keira = Fox (in Eyes of Sheep)
We think Keira enjoyed her time in the countryside. She loved tagging along on the walks. Even without her lead, she stayed right with us and was concerned we all stay together.
Faithful Companion
Back at the house, Keira was a big fan of the heated floors. Add that into a ray of sunshine coming in the window and you have pure bliss!
Soaking in the Rays
Of course, nap time isn’t complete without a little bit of cuddle time.
Cuddling up to Caleb
With any holiday, we had amazing food – even if we had to cook it ourselves. But, we chose some of our favorite easy meals for our few days there.
Favorite Home-Cooked Meals
Of course, you can’t forget the treats!
Emma’s Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Jelly Bellies Win Every Time
Waking up early Sunday morning to head back to London was a little sad, but knowing we will be back soon makes it that much easier!
Sunrise in Somerset
Seriously, I am so impressed. I want to have this type of getaway with my family when they’re a little bit older.
I LOVE this idea! Seriously, I want to implement it. Maybe starting this year. Obviously on a lesser scale with my younger kids. I’d love to see your whole schedule if you’re willing to email it. Do you and Chris take turns teaching?