VBS Week

Last week, Elliot and Amelia had Vacation Bible School (Religioese Kinderwoche/ RKW) and both children very much anticipated this week full of fun activities. Since it was at the church where Elliot's preschool is at, the preschoolers were already practicing the songs for weeks. This year's theme was "Shipwrecked, rescued by Jesus"; hence the maritime related decorations. By the way, these church members put in many, many hours to prepare for this free event and also volunteer during that entire week so our children are safe and ensured to have a great time. 

"Walking along the sea floor":

Amelia and Elliot looking at the fish tanks, which 5 lucky children could win at the end of the week.

Each night for two hours, the children learned about an important bible lesson, sang, played games, ate snacks, made a craft and had lots of fun with their peers. Elliot's teacher sent some snapshots to me from their fun:

Amelia's group making a craft:

While the children were at VBS, the hubby and I took advantage of those 2+ hours we had to ourselves and 1)worked together in the yard, 2)enjoyed a sushi dinner and a movie at home, 3)a weeknight dinner with my girlfriends, and 4)on a beautiful mild evening went out to the marina for dinner and some live music at the lake. By the way, you know that you are a parent if your date night ends with a trip to Walmart and you are all delighted that you can shop in peace. 

Every evening started off and ended with all the children singing in the church sanctuary. On Friday evening, the parents were allowed to watch them for the last few minutes. There was also a nightly competition between boys and girls and who would collect more pennies that day. The last night, the girls won; thus, the screams in the end of the video: 

Remember those fish tanks? Well, Amelia won one and now we are the proud owner of a goldfish. While Elliot was sad that he didn't win one, he quickly realized that the fish we already have at home is now his. 

Meet Bubbles:

On Sunday, we went to church to see the VBS participants perform their songs to the congregation. These kids did such a great job and were so cute to watch:

No worries, these songs live on as we own the CD and sing them every morning in the car...of course, the children do their hand movements too.

Anniversary and Independence Day Celebration

Yesterday, was a bittersweet day for me. Derrick and I celebrated 8 years of marital bliss. Our love still feels so young but it also deepens more every year. He is my best friend and the best husband I could have ever wanted...kind, loving, protective and always there for our family. I'm beyond blessed to be his wife. 

On the very same day as our anniversary, 3 years ago, we said goodbye to my beloved grandmother, who had the greatest time at our wedding reception. She is missed dearly and will live in my heart forever. 

4th of July attire

Since 4th of July falls in the middle of the week this year, the celebrations for this holiday started a day early. The best way to celebrate our anniversary and Independence Day is by hanging out with friends. Dinner buffet and play time...these water beads are awesome. If you don't have some, go get them. Make sure though to not use half a bag for one bucket of water as they will grow immensely. 

Despite major rainstorms during the day and extreme heat, we were still able to head to the local park to watch the firework show. After all that food, it was good to walk a bit. 

Sparkler fun on the way to the park: 

We arrived just a few minutes prior to the show to settle in to our chairs:

What a fun evening and late night. After sleeping in (till almost 8am, which is awesome!), we put on our bathing suits and headed to the Y pool for some cooling off. Currently, we have a heat advisory as the heat index is at 113F/ 45C and we are sure to stay inside for the rest of the day. 

 Happiest in the water:

I taught Amelia something new today...handstand under water. Now, she is determined to master this skill all by herself. 

Mommy                                      Me holding Amelia's legs                                  Almost a handstand all by herself

Happy birthday, America! I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July celebrations!

The Greatest Show

Yesterday afternoon I took the children to see The Greatest Show at a local (mega) church. The event was hosted by the church and was free to the public. This show was amazing. It was an assortment of a musical, which included the theme and some songs from our favorite movie The Greatest Showman, a Cirque du Soleil performance, concert, sermon, and an indoor laser/ fireworks show. Most of the performers were volunteers from the church and only the acrobats were hired and a few dancers to support the cast. But one would have thought this was a professional show. 

We arrived 30 minutes early and got some great seats near the stage. 

Popcorn and cotton candy for the kiddos:

After a prayer and the national anthem, the show began (the better quality pictures are courtesy of Cornerstone Nashville): 

There was music and dancing, a magician and acrobats: 

This video I compiled will give you a good glimpse into how fantastic the show was: 

The ending of the show was as great, if not even the greatest, with an indoor laser and fireworks show (the church is the only facility certified in the Southeast US to have an indoor fireworks show). One can tell, a lot of planning and engineering went into this whole production. 

 

And lots and lots of confetti:

On our way out, we said hi to some of the performers. Amelia's favorite part was the acrobat on the ring and Elliot couldn't stop talking about the laser show and fireworks. 

It truly was the GREATEST SHOW we have ever seen!