VBS this year was family style again - 4 evenings of Treasure Island fun with Tommy Tsunami and Nautical Nick learning about how Jesus is the true treasure!
There were carnival games and crafts...
One day there was a petting zoo, where Ben said he "pet a bunny or a sheep. I don't remember."
We had lots of singing and time with friends. Programming was excellent!
Jane connected with a sweet friend she hadn't seen since preschool!
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
May you know the peace and joy of our Savior Jesus Christ now and this coming year.
Vacation Bible School at our church was very different this year. They handed out craft bags and had live facebook videos with Moses and Malachi. Our theme was Wilderness Escape. The thought was to do it with just your family or small groups as you felt comfortable - so we decided to do it without small group.
The kids had a blast with the science experiments, making their own butter.
There was a big group picnic one day with all pre-packaged food and socially distanced activities.
The VBS bus and its celebrities drove around visiting everyone's houses during the mornings. Since we were (and always are) at the pool, they came to our neighborhood pool and passed out ice pops to all the kids at the 8 and under swim practice. This was definitely the highlight of Ben's VBS week. He was completely obsessed with the bus. He was obsessed with Eleanor's school bus, too, and I think this was the first time he had actually been inside a bus. I had to bribe him with an ice pop to get him off it and as soon as it was in hand, he was trying to climb back on.
We made a lava lamp with oil, water, food coloring, and alka-seltzer.
We ate together.
On Thursday night they had a live VBS concert outside at our church (also socially distant) - another huge highlight of the week for the kids.
We tie-dyed t-shirts.
And overall played games and had a great time. It was a wonderful week getting together with our small group again, and even met a few new friends! It was very different from last year, but the kids loved it and it was very memorable!
Our church is starting to open back up and began with an outdoor evening worship night. We decided to go early as a small group to bike and picnic. The kids flew around the empty parking lot.
We had a delicious picnic.
We played a few lawn games.
And then we participated in the worship.
Ben and Rosie got pretty tired, but otherwise it was a very successful evening. Looking forward to in-person church again outside this weekend.
The other day our small group met for the first time in person since this whole pandemic started. We met in a parking lot to let the kids run around outside, play, ride bikes, and then we all picnicked on our own blankets. It was great to finally be together again.
Small group, minus Nathan and Hayley who were playing in the background.
Looking forward to more get togethers as our area moves into phase 2.
