Sumer So Far!

Just in case you were wondering about these two kids, I thought I would stick in a picture of them. They are still two of the coolest cats that ever existed. Prince, Whitie as Dan calls him, succeeded again this summer to push out the screen in the bathroom window and get out on the roof. Finally I had to open another upstairs window and pull him in. That is quite a challenge. Good thing he is declawed. George is still his lazy laid back self.Summer included an all out push for VBS. Sarah and her good friend Christie, decided to take it on. Boy, did they do a great job. Only thing missing was Aunt Stella. She could only make it for the final program on Sabbath. But, never fear, she did VBS in Myrtle Beach before coming.

The theme from the conference this year was "Castles and Crowns". Below is our castle made out of cardboard, freehand, by one of our young adult church members. Thanks Melissa! Isn't it great. We added many pillars, a throne, drapery, mirrors, candles, etc.

The Lord truly blessed Oakwood's VBS. Over 80 different children registered this year. Our highest attendance for one day was 68, and on that day at least 30 of those children had no affiliation with the church or school. So our goal of outreach was successful.

This is the marketplace along side the castle. Tents are made out of table paper and upside down tables.
One of our leaders was so kind and made princess hats and crowns to give out to the children. Aren't they special. Julia and her brothers were a great help this year. Love to see those older kids pitch in. We had the best volunteers available from kids to grannies.

How about this jester? She and her brother were terrific. They also made these hats. Her brother really got into the act and would not speak while doing his role at recreation.
Here's our Leah arriving for her first VBS day.
Our stone entry way was just beautiful. David's mom Cheryl and her hubby Ron set this up for us. Loved those flowers draped over the walls. Kids did stay right in the walkway.
Happy registration!
Sandy could not have done a better job in the Banquet Hall. Doesn't it look like a banquet? It was upstairs in the Youth Room. Her assistants all dressed in Bible costume and served off silver platters, crystal pitchers, etc. They were very regal in their service. Kids loved it. A bible story went with each treat that was served.

Our new teacher telling the daily bible story.
Craft time is a favorite of all.
Recreation was wonderful, but got a little hot at the end of the week. That worked out great cause we went in the gym and the kids learned Hop Scotch.
Here is Sarah doing the closing or opening of the program. We met together both times and of course one thing the kids enjoyed the most was the music. We are still singing the songs. Even Leah loved it. I would take her up with me and she could see the children on the screen singing and doing motions. Mostly sign language to the words. Now whenever they project words on the wall at church to sing with, Leah joins right in. Can't hardly blame her or stop her. She especially enjoyed the song "There's a Flag Flying High". First time I ever heard that song was when Sarah was small and her Grandma Ann sang it to her.
Lots of friends came to VBS.

Here is Leah's friend Megan in the stroller. Her mom is Sarah's helper and they are 10 days apart in age. I am so glad she is there to grow up with Sarah since Sarah grew up with her mom and sisters.
This surprise came on the second day of VBS for Gram cause she celebrated her 82nd birthday. She still is as active as ever, except all she wants to do now is hold the baby. I do still make her get up and clean every now and then, just to keep her healthy............