The Lenz ladies admiring our lovely hotel while Daddy attends a luncheon...first day of the conference!
The fun elevators. :)
There were around 2600 people at the conference!
Our family was encouraged, exhorted, and motivated in so many ways. Some of our favorite speakers were Paul Washer, Doug Phillips, Kevin Swanson, Geoff Botkin, Voddie Baucham, Scott Brown, and Joe Morcraft among many excellent men.
We tried taking a survey to find out which speaker our family appreciated most, but there were too many perspectives. We found we have more favorites than family members. :) The speakers spoke about everything in the context of the sufficiency of scripture for our lives, from the gospel of Jesus Christ to the laws of nations, culture and aesthetics, the meeting of the local church, family life, ministry, and so much more. As usual we came home feeling that we just finished drinking from fire-hose...and so blessed!
We were also excited to be at the Cinncinati Premier of the new creation film, The Mysterious Islands and to meet and listen to many of the cast and filmakers!
Four of the six arrows at the premier. :)
A tired and thankful crew ready to leave for home!
On they way home, Daddy took us out to eat at the Cracker Barrel in Wisconson...amazingly, the same one we visited on the last trip we made to Ohio in July!
To read more about the conference, visit
NCFIC
NCFIC blog
and Doug Phillip's Blog
Glad to be home to the cold and snow and warm fires and fresh cookies, hospitality, secrets filtering through the house... and above all, remembering the birth of our great Savior!
Our beautiful Mama packing in the pickup. :)
The conference, Our Marriages and the Marriages of our Sons and Daughters, was held in the home of the Scott Brown family. Mama and Daddy said it was wonderfully encouraging and inspired them.
We were so happy that they could go! But we were even happier when they came back!
The fact that we were all trying to recover from a long day in the car and not looking quite ourselves might have had something to do with this new and rather startling phenomena.
We were up bright and early in the morning to visit the 
The museum was an impressive and encouraging experience for the whole family.
Five of the Six Arrows and Mama spent an afternoon at the cabin on the lake with our good friend Ginny.
The girls enjoyed much of their time on the comfy porch in pleasant conversation or peering through a delightful historical fashion book.
The boys enjoyed the lake all day, swimming, boating and fishing.
Ben, the official boat man, acted as navigator.
Garrison was firm in his decision to stay on shore, a decision which he believed was "wisest." :)
Aubrey and Sam went along for the ride and fishing.
It was a beautiful day, even though there was a stiff breeze.
I think we all agree that this place is one of the most beautiful spots in the world and we are thankful we were blessed to spend a few restful hours there.
Char and his contagious grin
Sorry Gar, I love this face...:)
Grandma having just had a tire filled by Ben...
Ben, our official trip mechanic problem solver...
We were able to enjoy each other and the breathtaking creation around us.
This was a bald eagle with her eaglet. It was hard to get a shot of her because she was so far up and the baby kept moving. 
I am finding one of the difficulties with a camera is the often illusive nature of the adorable.