family retreat 2015


last weekend we packed our bags & headed to a little cottage on the lake for our annual family retreat!


if you've been around these parts for any time at all, you know about our annual family retreat.

you can find a little bit more about our retreats of the past here


when luke was just a tot, his parents decided to begin the tradition of family retreats. 

we disconnect from distractions one weekend in january & reflect on the previous year. we then set new goals & intentions for the new year. the location changes based on our budget & calendar, but the goals are always the same - reflect & envision. 




i believe the practice & yearly tradition of meeting together to celebrate another year of the good stuff & imagine what could be in the new year is a must for family unity. we discuss heavy topics together, laugh together, imagine together & cry together (i'm usually the only one crying. go figure!). 



we slow down to just simply be together. we play games, share meals, journal, read, explore & nap.



today i thought i'd share some of the family goals luke & i have in mind for 2015- 

financial family goals:
- build emergency savings account
- consolidate student debt
- purchase new truck

home project goals:
- clean out shed for luke's workshop space
- hang clothesline in the backyard
- restore hoosier cabinet in living room
- build permanent shelves in pantry

farm goals:
- expand laying flock
- continue selling farm produce during summer/fall months
- build garden fence

our family retreats allow us to process & set tangible goals to achieve during the year. it's amazing what can happen when we set aside time to envision the year together as a family. 


do you have a family retreat tradition? what does goat setting look like for you as a family? i'd love to read your thoughts!
love,
natalie

9 comments:

Kelly said...

This is such an awesome tradition. and what better way to reboot and bring in the new year....Natalie, would you mind sharing where you guys stayed? We are looking for a weekend get away at the end of February and you had me at cottage on the lake.. :) thanks girl. my email is kntkly@yahoo

Natalie Freeman said...

kelly, the place is a private cottage owned by our friends. we have had great success staying in the cabins at devil's den, though!

Hannah said...

This is an amazing idea! I'm recently engaged and we're looking for new family traditions that we can build together and this is one that I would love to start. Thanks for the inspiration!

Natalie @ Being Mrs. Olson said...

I love that you do this! My family is always making excuses and it is really hard for all of us to get together. We are planning a little getaway this coming summer to some little cabins in South Dakota, and one brother will have three month old TWINS! I am very excited to see the fun that we have. I'm so glad yours was great!

Kelli said...

I love this tradition. I think it is so important to spend time even if just a day away from every day life and distractions to reflect and plan. I love the idea that you do it as a family...I have my wheels spinning fro next year...

Anonymous said...

Excellent tradition!!!!
Is the front porch not on the list this year?
Kim

Natalie Freeman said...

kim, we decided to go to europe instead of build our front porch. i'm rather happy with our choice, though! :)

ali grace | cookies and grace said...

That place is gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

Europe?
Porch?
Yep, I vote for Europe!

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