Grace VBS

We had VBS at our church the week of June 25-29th. We love our church and the VBS is amazing!  I helped with the worship for the rising kindergartners and first graders. Such a fun week! 

Laura, Anna, & Mei

Top: Rachel, Hattie  Middle: Cadence, Sydney, Melissa  Bottom: Annalee, June 

Barbara, Asa, Timothy, Joel 

Gretchen, John, Hallie (Tribe of Asher)

Shaun, Anna, Joshua (Tribe of Reuben)  

Leah, Kate, Sophie (Tribe of Judah) 

Anna's 10th Birthday Trip

Anna's 10th birthday was in May, but we told her she could go on a trip with me, Rachel, anywhere she wanted. She and I took a day and went to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.  It poured most of the day, but we both had a great attitude about it and made the most of it.  We spent the night in Louisville and then went to the Louisville Zoo the next day. She and I had such a great time!  

     

NC Family Reunion

Every year, Father's Day Weekend, we go to North Carolina for a family reunion, Phil's mom's side.  This reunion has been going on for 75 years and this year 140 people attended. It is held in Bakersville, NC, in the mountains.  There is no phone service (which is a great way to unplug and relax) and we all meet at "the old house" where Phil's great grandparents used to live and where they raised their 13 children (They had 16, but three died in infancy.). It is a nice time to see all the aunts, uncles, & cousins and catch up with how their year has gone. The kids play in the creek, slide down the hill, or just run around and wear themselves out!  

Phil's cousin's baby

Phil got to go golfing with his brother-in-law.

Rachel got to take all the kids for a ride on the four wheeler.

Phil and I on the four wheeler at the top of the hill. 

The kids all LOVE the slide!

Anna took her money and gave all the kids quarters to get something from the machines. 

Anna Goes to Centri-Kid

Anna went to Centri-Kid with a group from church for the second year in a row. It is for 3-5th graders and she LOVES this camp.  She talked of nothing else for several months when she got back last year.  They get to choose tracks (activities) that they want to do for the week. With no coercion from Rachel, Anna chose sign language both years. She also chose archery both years (which she loved). At the end of the week, she, with the other kids that chose sign language, performed a song they had learned in front of the whole camp. We are so thankful for the opportunity for Anna to learn more about God and his love for her. Also, we are glad she got to learn some new skills and have fun with friends. 

Minneapolis-Mall of America/Minnehaha Falls

When Rachel's sister and brother-in-law got back home, they took Rachel and the kids to Mall of America and Minnehaha Falls.