VBS DAY 5

Whew!!!  What a week.  We ended VBS today with the fruit of the spirit KINDNESS.   You would have thought it was the last day of school.  The kids were WILD!!!

I always came back a little early from the big show to get the snacks ready and much to my surprise London came back from the big show looking like this....

She had pulled her tooth out right in the middle of the big show.  I was shocked that {1} she pulled it out knowing i was no where near and {2} she went and got the other teacher and let her take the lead on what to do next!!  Her top tooth is loose ...but not real loose....now but I think it might be a while before it falls out.

Friday the nursery did a western parade for all the nursery kids.  I dressed Kinley in the only western thing she owns and she wore some boots that were a few sizes too big for her.  She was so excited about her outfit that she had me put the boots next to her pillow the night before.... and yes, I packed her tennies too so she could have shoes that fit if she wanted.  BUT, when I picked her up, her teacher said she never wanted her boots off.  :)

Here is a short video of the western parade!!!  I was trying to take pics with a camera in one hand and hold my phone with video in the other so excuse the poor quality!!

Here are some more pics from the parade...

Before leaving VBS we stopped by the VBS General Store to pick up a CD, posters of the big show cast, and pre-order our DVD!!  I love that London is more into VBS and the characters and songs than some of the other more trendy things these days.  I can only hope and pray she stays that way!!

After VBS I had promised London we would eat lunch at Chick-fil-A with friends.  We lucked out because each kid and me since I volunteered got a coupon for a free 8-piece nugget!!!!  The kids had a blast and I let them play a while then we headed home for a much needed nap.  

VBS was fun but so tiring.  I was worn out from the action pack fun filled week...... but I'm sure I'll be back to volunteer next year :)

VBS DAY DAY 4

Today was a great day at VBS.  The fruit of the spirit we talked about was PATIENCE.  I think this is such a hard one with 6 year olds because I know mine has a hard time waiting on even things that come quick sometimes.

Kinley did much better in the nursery and my attempt to snoop on her turned into a brief visit with her and she didn't even cry when I told her I was leaving.  She was so happy when I picked her up and talked all about getting to see the big show today.  She has brought home the cutest crafts too.....

I just love seeing what she has done for the day!!

My mom came to watch the big show as well.  I think she really enjoyed it.  London was thrilled to see her Nana at VBS!!

Tomorrow the nursery is having a western parade.  Kinley is excited about her outfit and is determined to wear boots ...that are too big.  I plan of packing her tennies and hopefully she will let her teacher change her shoes after the parade!!  She even wanted to sleep with the boots next to her...and yes, the girls are on the palate again :)

London has really enjoyed VBS and was so excited her friend came with her.  I managed to get a few pics of her today...

On the way out we had to stop by the VBS General Store...  London wanted to browse and see what she wanted and of course she wants both VBS posters, the DVD of the big show (pre-ordered) and I'll probably end up getting the CD (mainly for Kinley) with some cute VBS western songs they have been playing all week.

Yesterday there were over 3300 kids.  WHEW....  we had 4 of our 26 out today but I couldn't tell.  The kids were excited and loved the games we played.

One more day to go......

I better get to bed.  I told London I would take her and 2 friends to Chick-fil-A after VBS tomorrow.....  It's going to be a long afternoon!!

VBS DAY DAY 3

PEACE was the fruit of the spirit at VBS today and well..... I think the kids were tired. The day went well but I could tell the kids were not themselves.   I know mine were tired for sure.  Lots of wining after we got home and my patience was wearing off fast.  Bedtime has been so easy this week....and I love it!  It makes me wish VBS went a little longer.... but just for the kids :)

The big kids were so excited to be back at VBS.  I took this pic just before we got out of the car this morning.   I love seeing them excited about being at church.

I actually took a few pics today too.  I'm hoping to get more tomorrow.  The church has these wooden horses all over the place and they are all dressed up different.  Kinley especially liked the red, white, and blue one outside the big show :)  And London hopped on Luigi on the way out today :)

Speaking of being tired....Kinley ended up with me at 10:45.  I was able to take her to see a little of the big show but after about 30 minutes i could tell she had had enough.  Usually she will clap and dance to music wherever she is, especially if I am encouraging her but even with my encouragement and excitement at the show she wanted to just sit and never said a word.  She finished the day in my class and after a snack of a few wheat thins...was asleep in the car before we even got on the highway (and it doesn't take long to get on the highway).

                             coloring in the 'big kid' room                                watching the big show..... quietly

sleepy girl

The girls are asleep on the palate again and I'm real close to dream land myself.  Oh.... and attendance yesteray at VBS was just over 3300 kids.  WOW..... no wonder we are all tired.

VBS DAY 2

I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart.....

Day 2 of VBS was about JOY!!!  The kids were excited to be back and brought all their energy with them.  The day went very smooth and the kids loved the games and seeing the big show.

The verse for today was

"Rejoice in the Lord always;  I will say it again: Rejoice!!"  Phil 4:4

I couldn't help but sing the song I learned as a kid all day :)

Kinley did good in the nursery and came home with a giraffe balloon animal and a heart painted on her face.  She is always excited to see me when I pick her up.

There were still so many kids at the registration table today.  I bet today's enrollment was close to 3600.

I managed to take one pic today.... I have had my camera both days but it has been so busy every time I think of getting my camera out the kids are running around.

This is a pic of the barn my uncle made for us to use at our Relay for Life walk a few months ago.  He was so kind and donated it to the church and now it is being passed from campus to campus during VBS.

I'm exhausted after day 2 and getting geared up for day 3....   It is 'bring a friend day' so who knows how many kids we will end up with tomorrow.

Here is a pic of the girls last night....  they have been sleeping on a pallet in Kinley's room the past few nights (their idea) and last night when I went to check on them this is what I found...  I'd say they are pretty exhausted from VBS too.

VBS DAY 1

We kicked of VBS today and boy was it crazy.  Last year I volunteered as the main teacher but this year I stepped back and am more of a helper.  I'm still in the class I just don't do any of the actual teaching.... more of just helping keep all 25 of our kiddos in line and help to get them where we are going.  The total enrollment was 3542 kids grades K-6..... INSANE!!!!  

Our church does such an amazing job catering to kids.  This year VBS is 'ROUND UP' and they are spending one day on each fruit of the spirit.....  yes I know there are more than 5 'fruits of the spirit' but for 4 weeks after VBS during Sunday school they will cover the other 'fruits' that weren't talked about during VBS.

Today we talked about LOVE and it was so fun to hear the kids talk about how to show love to others and how we can see God's love for us.

I'm taking London and Kinley and 3 of London's friends each day.  The kids had a great time and Kinley did great in the nursery....truly an answered prayer!!  The first thing she told me to day was that she got to sing 'Our God  Gate Gig God' or 'Our God is a Great Big God.'  They sing it during church on Sunday's and it is her favorite song!!

I didn't take any pics today but will make sure and get some for the rest of the week.

I'm off to bed..... tomorrow we teach on JOY!!!

A NEW BAG....FINALLY!!!

Not much to post about but I was pretty excited today when I ran across a big beach bag at Garden Ridge.

I haven't been in that store in probably over a year but decided to swing by in hopes to find a dog bed and hit the jackpot when I found the dog bed and a new beach bag.


I have been going back and forth on weather or not to spend the money on one of the big Land's End totes and had made up my mind to order one.

Good thing I didn't..... for just $5.99 I got a cute bag (that will hopefully not fall apart) and came home and monogrammed it, stuffed it and we are ready for the pool!!

It will be nice to have one big bag that will fit all 4 towels, Kinleys floatie, pool toys, goggles, sunglasses, and sunscreen.... and still has room for a few snacks and drinks!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY :)

We had a pretty laid back July 4th weekend.  Actually we stayed home all weekend then headed to see family after church on Sunday... well after church and after lunch and after we finally found London a new bike at Toys R' Us!!

Here is a shot of the girls after church.  I am in love with smocked dresses and found these on e-bay for a steal... $30 each.  I hope there are deals like that for a long time....especially since I will be buying 3 pretty soon!!!

 I made Kinley a pair of bloomers to go under hers too...

We had shopped around on Saturday for her a new bike and couldn't find an 18" bike anywhere (Target, Wal-Mart, Academy) so we vowed to her that we would go to Toys R' Us after church and before heading to Grandma's on Sunday.  Thankfully we found one.

Sooooo, once we got to Grandma's house we got the girls playing and they got lots of love from Grandma and Pop.  Matt quickly put London's new bike together then Grandpa and the rest of the crew (Aunt, Uncle and cousins) showed up.  Of course being the water bugs the girls are, they were already in the pool when the rest of the group arrived.  Here is a shot of Mrs. USA London at Grandma's pool....

Pop cooked up a good dinner and  then we headed to Nana's after a fun day at Grandma's.

Monday was fun filled but super relaxing.  My mom had bought tons of decorations for us all to have a bike parade so of course London woke up ready to decorate.  After all bikes and trikes were given the thumbs up from London we headed off on our bike parade.... with no spectators. 

Here is the group before the big parade!!!

Miss Kinley on her new trike!!!  We found this while on the big bike hunt Saturday.  I love the classic radio flyer trikes and now it comes in PINK!!!  It was a must have!!!

 It was fun though... even though Kinley and I only made it about 20 yards before she was done.  I had Matt take a pic of me trying to carry K and her trike but he did rescue me and took the trike back to the house before finishing up the parade.

After the parade .... all 20 yards she rode.... Kinley was worn out.  All she wanted to do was lay in Nana's bed and watch Wow Wow Wubbzy.  Matt stayed in with Kinley while London, Nana, T and I swam.  Kinley and Matt joined in the fun a little later ... after Miss K had cooled down and rested from her long ride. :)  

Lunch was the all American hot dogs and hamburgers and sausage on a stick.  You would have thought we were cooking for a crowd but nope, just a few of us....  but you have to do it up big for the 4th right!!!!  After lunch of course London couldn't forget about dessert.  Nana had bought cookies to decorate and there was some pretty intense cookie decorating going on...

More swimming followed the cookie decorating then we all headed out for a snow cone!!  More swimming after snow cones then we ate a quick dinner and packed up and headed home.  

It was a quick trip but was great to spend time with both of our families.  

I hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July!!

God Bless America!!