The Starnes family made their yearly trek back to Fort Hill camp New Year’s Day in 2016 to disconnect and spend time with family. We were all looking forward to some snow, but it was not to be.

Every year we find something new to do as a family that is fun, and this year the big fun was the giant swing in the woods! Many of the photos below are of the family out taking turns pulling one another up in the air, releasing themselves to fly, hooking up, or mounting/dismounting the harness and wires. It was a team effort for sure and a VERY big swing in the trees!

Saturday night (after more food), we did our yearly gift exchange for one another, the kids, and for mom and dad (aka mammaw and pappaw). After the last gifts were opened, my sister Carrie handed out some packages of fuzzy snowballs for the families and a snowball fight broke out in the dinning hall! Thankfully only mild injury by innocent bystanders.

Mom pretty much lived in the kitchen cooking food or cleaning up with her family intermittently all weekend again though she took a pretty serious fall Saturday night. That scared us all, but God was watching over her and the docs said she didn’t break anything.

The food was exceptional but far too abundant for a big group sitting around too close to it! Thanks to all those who brought or fixed food at camp! BTW, I LOVE pitas for breakfast! Yum!

The newest Starnes was Kayleigh Ann, Travis and Julie’s red-headed daughter. She was everyone’s plaything and was happy to go from person to person with her little pointer finger indicating where she wanted to go (Katie did that too!). Though her mom and dad seemed a little tired of their baby girl not being with them. :^)

There were a few unfortunate events, but overall, we had a wonderful time and love to have everyone in one place for extended amounts of time. Although we did not have the Starnes sibs and grandkids annual basketball game, played no ping-pong (at least not me), and were not able to get time to make the hike up and around the Fort Hill earthworks. Next year: less food, more exercise! :^)

I love my family and I recommend others try to find places like Fort Hill to steal away with your own families. It is open for rent…