VBS 2008 - POWER LAB

Since my brother's first child was born seven years ago, my mom has been looking forward to the day that her grandchildren would attend VBS with her. When my brother moved away five years ago, she knew it would be a long shot, but she never gave up hope. When my brother and his family moved back home in March, Mom started dreaming again. This summer we made one of her dreams come true!

The kids and I drove up to mom's for the week of VBS. Mom was one busy woman that week, but she had more fun than I have seen her have in years. She loved having three of the four grandkids (Hannah was too young to participate this year - maybe next year) at church with her, every step of the way. Literally, the three boys followed her like little ducks helping her set-up and clean-up every night. They loved every minute of the week.

Hunter learned so much. He would come home and tell me all about his teacher and the stories she taught them. He loved the music so much that he actually performed on stage the last night - of course, it helped to have his cousins up there with him!

Even though I didn't participate in the actual VBS, my heart was truly moved by the whole experience. To see Hunter so excited to learn about Jesus and to listen to him teach the praise and worship songs (complete with hand motions) to his little sister made me so thankful for this opportunity and these precious moments in their lives.

Mom and her grandkids!
Hannah's stage debut! During the program Friday night, Hannah refused to leave my mom's hip. Mom felt so badly that Hannah hadn't been included all week that she just took Hannah on stage with her.
Hannah trying to keep those crazy boys in line!!

The first night of VBS I tried to leave Hannah in the nursery so that I could help with one of the classes - Hannah wasn't having that. So, she and I ended up playing in one of the classrooms for a little while each night before going home for bed. From her choice of toys, can you tell she feels the influence of her big brother?
The lighting wasn't very good, but it was so fun to see Hunter actually stay on stage. I guess there really is hope for next year's preschool music program!

Happy Birthday Hannah Elisabeth!

Measuring time in the life of child puts so many things in perspective. As unbelievable as it seems, Hannah turned 2 today! In just two years, Hannah has already lived in two different houses in two different states and visited (or at least driven through) a total of nine states. In these first two years, she learned to crawl (or scoot) and walk, gained a mouthful of teeth, grew a head full of beautiful curls, and managed to keep up with Hunter every step of the way. She is absolutely precious and she constantly amazes us!

Hannah celebrated her day in grand fashion. Everyone in the church nursery sang to her - at least those who could talk. If only I had a picture of the grin on her face while they were singing! She has thoroughly enjoyed telling people that she is two; then, she shows them how old she is by holding up all five fingers - two fingers is tough! She's had such fun celebrating her birthday today; I'm afraid that tomorrow will be quite the let down!

three weeks old

six months old

one year (no curls)

18 months (bring on the curls)

almost two years old - the candles were a little intimidating for her - (we celebrated a little early up at my mom's)

she loved the presents

first thing this morning

she didn't want me to take a picture

She loved the candle this time!

Happy Birthday Hannah! We love you!!

While I Was Working....

Pete was finding the kids a dog. Needless to say, we are still going through an adjustment process (more me than anyone else), but we will get there eventually. The kids named their new four-legged friend Petey! They absolutely love him to pieces as long as he isn't trying to eat their toes! Thank Goodness he's cute!

Story Time

Hannah has always loved books; only recently has she gathered an audience for her story time. On occasion, Hunter and I are allowed to stay for the story too.

Baby Ducks

We absolutely love taking walks to feed the ducks. Over the last few months, baby ducks have been popping up everywhere. Hunter couldn't wait to show Grandma his baby ducks. Hannah loves the ducks too, but she would rather eat the bread herself than share with the ducks. On occasion the ducks do get a piece or two of crust from Hannah.

Swamp Tour

No trip to Louisiana would be complete without a visit to the swamp! Friday, we convinced Grandma and Grandpa to take a boat tour of the swamp. The weather was perfect - not too warm with a little breeze. Hunter and Hannah were enamored by the boat, the alligators in the water, and the alligator head the guide showed them.

Playing with the alligator head

Petting a baby alligator

My turn!

Making friends on the boat

Grandma and Grandpa

a cool tree
check out the moss

an abandoned boat
one of several alligators we saw along the way

a cemetery

I just loved this house and its scenery!

A New Toy

Since Hannah's birthday is just a few weeks away, Grandma and Grandpa gave Hannah her present a little early - a sand and water table (a delight for both kids). Hunter helped Dad put it together while Hannah conducted a thorough inspection of the table.

Hannah tried to entertain herself while she waited to play in the water.

Finally, the table was ready for the water, sand, and toys!