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............

Can't Believe I am still Blogging, but just one more.

Grandpas birthday was this week. We had Bumpy Cake again, just like Aunt Nilza's party. She gave me some more this time also. We will miss you Joe and Nilza as you head back to Hermosia.
Natalie, pay attention to the gift opening and stop studying books on pottery designs.
I won't reveal his age.
Who couldn't love a face like that.
See my Holland sweatshirt. At Grandma Lois' house I got some new cereal, strawberry and bananas.

My motorcycle family in Manistee. It was fun exploring and they even found quite a few washed out roads from the severe storms. Dan led them into some off roading that the boys were not to happy about. Imagine that.

Baby Update

Our baby girl is crawling and now she even is lifting herself up and standing on her own. Wow, is she a handful. When she is not sleeping, she is constantly on the go. Sarah is wondering how to get anything done. It is so wonderful to see all the advancements she is making. She is also getting very heavy. This week we will get the official weight at her doctors appt. I will just put some shots in of our trip to campmeeting and Grandma Lois' for July 4th.

My first fourth of July celebration.

Can you believe someone gave out frozen treats. YUM!I love you mommy.
Is this parade ever going to get over?
Natlie designed our banner for VBS. Looked like a professional job. We helped with the last minute touches when we went to the shop for the annual July 3rd BBQ.

Campmeeting here we come.

We were in the overflow parking with no electricity. Got a little hot over night and my hair was pretty goopy when I woke up.
See how well I stand up. Problem is now I don't want to go inside the bouncy anymore, just stand outside of it.
We ate at Cracker Barrel on the way home and they blew these neat bubbles for me.

Quick Catch-up on Us!

Man, it's been almost a month without a post. I guess that is nothing new for me. Problem is it takes me forever to put one up. I will try to just put a few pictures up so you can see what we have been doing over the last 4 weeks. Never a dull moment.

These pictures are from Brian and Laurens wedding in Milwaukee. It was a fun time. Brian is Adam's good friend from college now in Medical school at Loma Linda, CA. Lauren is a sweet girl we worked with on Higher Ground Sabbath School. Loved seeing them and enjoying the wedding. The reception was at the Aquarium on Lake Michigan. Just beautiful. The food and service were outstanding.

This is the old gang from college and even academy. Justin in the middle is Adam's surfing buddy.

Two great looking guys. I am so proud of them both and lucky to have them in my life.

This is the perfect picture of these two. Lake Michigan in the background. A little to smooth to surf.
They look like they are having the time of their lives hey?
Our church greeters, and so nice to see them as the first people we met at the wedding.


I love Steve Peck. How great to chat with him about Politics.
The happy couple.