Busy Week: Father's Day, VBS & Residents' Dinner

Last week was BUSY but full of fun!  On Saturday the 15th, I took Alexee to a swim party for the b-day of a kindergarten classmate.  I enjoyed having a little outing with just Alexee.  After the party we did some quick Father's Day shopping for the following day.  That night I made an Oreo dessert for us to enjoy after lunch on Sunday.

Father's Day photo at church

We love you and are proud of you, L!  The kids are extremely blessed to have such a great Dad!

Sunday evening we picked up my niece and went to Flippin for VBS week at my parents' church. This was Rhett and Jaiden's 5th year to attend, Alexee and Jeryn's 3rd and Crosby's FIRST!  C was super excited when he found out that he was old enough to go this time!  It was great to get to see my Dad on Father's Day, too.  I don't think that has happened in several years, but it was nice to be home.  I'm always laughing when I'm with Dad.  It took several tries to get a "normal" picture (see bottom right).  :)

Monday morning we did the usual first day of VBS photo on the front steps.  We missed having Jeryn there early in the week, but due to his allergy shots he had to wait and come up on Wednesday.

Alexee, 6; Jaiden & Rhett, 9; Crosby, 4

Mom taking A's picture :)

The VBS theme this year:  Colossal Coaster World

Motto:  Facing Fear!  Trusting God!

Verse:  "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment."  2 Timothy 1:7

Our kids look forward to this all year long.  We truly appreciate everyone who worked so hard to make it such a wonderful week!

excited to hang out with Grandad when he got home from work

Monday afternoon Grandmother and Grandad were so sweet to bring us a loaf of fresh homemade bread--yum!  They sat outside and visited while the kids played in the sandbox.

Jaiden braiding A's hair after baths.  Love these girls!

Ready to go on Tuesday a.m.

After dropping them off at church on Tuesday, I drove back home so I could attend the annual residents' graduation banquet with Lane that night.  Next year he will be in the graduating class!!!  The event was held at the Governor's Mansion, which was such a treat!  (I should have taken more pictures.)

It was getting too dark for pictures after dinner, but here are a few by the fountain as we left.  It was a fun evening out together!

Since my sister was taking Jeryn to VBS on Wednesday and would be there to help my parents, I decided to wait until Thursday to make the drive back.  Lane was off on Wednesday, so we had a whole day here by ourselves--it was great!  I don't remember the last time that happened...maybe not since C was born!?!?  I went to Target by myself to get new pjs and underwear for the kids (exciting, I know), then we went to lunch and saw Man of Steel.  We also got some things done around the house.  I changed all the kids' beds, Lane hung the world map that I (finally) had framed for R's room and we completely cleaned out the storage unit and canceled that monthly bill!  

R's room

Of course we needed another group photo once Jeryn had joined in on the fun!  Mic sent me this picture from Thursday a.m.

And I loved getting these pictures of the kids enjoying VBS activities from Jacquie:

Crosby played hard all week.  I think he was exhausted by Friday!

Alexee collected grasshoppers in a jar.

Thursday afternoon Micaela had the idea to take the kids to pick blueberries at a place not far from my parents' house.  I've picked a lot of blackberries, but this was my first blueberry picking experience.  It was a fun thing to do.  I took a lot of pictures there and will do a separate post on that.  We had the kids bathed and ready to go to Yoshi's for dinner at 5:30 that night.  They all love the food there, and the chef keeps them entertained during the meal--always a bonus!  We had a great meal and got home in time for eager fans to watch the NBA championship game.  (This didn't include me...Crosby, Alexee and I went to bed early).

Friday morning Micaela and I took the kids to church and stayed to watch the closing program.  What a memorable week for them.  They'll be singing the songs they learned for months!

Mrs. Judy, Jaiden & Alexee

Crosby had fun in the 4 yr old class with these sweet little boys, Landon & Luke!

And on Friday they get to bring home their crafts, etc. from the week.  These cute frames are on the fridge now:

Our last stop for the week was lunch at Pizza Hut before getting on the road back to our house.  I realized that I didn't have a picture of my parents with all the kids from the week.  Dad wasn't there, but we took a quick pic of Mo and the kids in the restaurant parking lot.

Mom and Dad, THANK YOU for letting the kids all spend the week there.  I know it was very busy and created a lot of extra laundry, etc., but sweet memories were made that they will treasure always.  We love you!!  Thanks again for everything!