VBS 2015

Last year's VBS was great (as have been all the VBS' we've participated in during our military career) but THIS year's was amazing.  Two local churches donated their VBS decorations to us - saving lots of money and time....we've donated them to another church. Cynthia, our VBS director, was joined by Kat as Co-Director and Paulette - not sure what her title was but she was great help as well.

 

The library never looked so good!

It was odd for us to be participants and not helpers. We thought we'd be in Japan and Stacia was sad to miss her last VBS. She's entering 5th grade so this really would be her last as a participant.  Usually, I would have stayed on base all week and helped....but this year I drove home and worked and then picked her up. This presented a problem as we have one car now that we've sent Arielle to Oregon. With Michael working and VBS I would have made 3 - 4 trips a day. Dear friends are such a blessing. Cynthia's husband is on extended special duty, and she has an extra car. We now have two cars again until retirement ceremony.

Stacia and Cynthia - hey no one looks terrible and they're both in it

 Chaplain T oversaw this year's VBS team

We're going to miss VBS. It was a good season to focus on "Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power."

Game Night - Gherkin Style

An evening game of Monopoly - Arielle manages to join in via Skype. Life is good.

Arielle Flies the Nest

I don't have any "new" profound thoughts to share. It doesn't get easier. It's a GREAT thing. She's following God's plan for her life. We're proud of her. We miss her. A child leaving home is the very definition of "bittersweet."

 

Michael signs the Altima over

 

Monopoly at BreZaaks

 

Stacia won her first monopoly game

 

Michael shares words with Arielle

 

Praying for Arielle

 

Then it was time for goodbyes....

No, we've not recovered....but she'll be back for retirement on the 9th!

Mud, BBQs and Farewells

Krista always has the best adventures in a local area.  We need to learn some of her tricks. Saturday she, Wyatt and Katie were set to participate in the "Dirty Dash" in Albany.  We thought $40 to run in the mud was a bit much - but we went to watch. I think we need to have a family team next year. It looked like a lot of fun. 

Krista and Katie (Krista and Arielle's roommate)

Mud surfing

Actually - doing push ups

At the Finish Line

 Stacia and Alex tried their hands (and legs) at the climbing wall.

We got home in time to converge at Will and Sherri's for a bbq. I didn't take a single photo. I enjoyed the fellowship.  Lots of good transitions going on in our family this summer.

This was the last night with Arielle in our "home" as a "child." Neither of us wanted the night to end.....Sweet moments. As odd as it sounds, I kept remembering her little pre-school voice on the day she got her wisdom teeth removed, "I love you, Mommy."  I love this baby girl.  Alas, it's time to say goodbye to childhood and celebrate her launch into adulthood. I'm so proud of the way she is going about all this - a post for another day.

Family Fun

We packed Friday full. Krista and BreAnne had the day off.

Our PLAN was to get Arielle's driver's license, get the car registered and open a credit union account. It was a good plan. Unfortunately, we forgot an important detail. She needs proof of her ADDRESS to do any of those things.  Their move-in date is contingent on the owners moving out, which is contingent on bank appraisers and so.....we didn't have a renter's agreement. Not to fear - we can order something on Amazon, have it shipped to Arielle and they will count it as proof of residency.  BUT we didn't get any of the business done on Friday. This means we had an extra day to "weelax."

Krista picked up food at a deli, we picked up Mom and Dad and we went to Armitage park. It was a great plan. It wasn't crowded, the river was relaxing....Bre met us....all in all an enjoyable day.

Bre and Me

Dad and Mom

Bocce Ball

 While they played, Mom  and I enjoyed a walk along the river. We found this bridge. 1887 - fun to think that Gram's would have been a girl and passed this way - when this bridge was here.

Izaak got off work. We met him for dinner. Then the kids, Michael and I went to a park to watch Krista talk about nutrition to a gathered group. She's the one in front leading exercises.  After the talk we watched Princess Bride in the park. It was GREAT, FREE fun!  

We didn't get home until 11:00 p.m.  It was short night before it was time to begin Saturday's adventures.

Traveling Day

Trips usually begin with high spirits  - I'd love to say this one was no different - but it was a bit different. Knowing we'd be coming home without Arielle put a slight damper on the trip.

 

Michael drove the van (packed nearly full as seen below) and Arielle followed in his commuter - which we gave her. 

 

 We took the back two seats out of the van - and the first one  - and an idea was born. The kids liked the extra leg room. We'll have much more storage room in the back without the seats. Maybe it's the answer to, "HOW do we take 5 bikes with us on the road?".  Nolan suggested we make a table to fit where the front seat usually fits in. What a great idea. He and Michael can brainstorm it, build it.....and when it's installed they'll be able to do some school work, watch school DVDS and such from the table.

Stacia and Nolan rode with Arielle.  Stacia shared her seat with bikes and such poking through from the trunk. LOL

We got to Oregon in good time and set up the trailer at Will and Sherri's. We always love visiting with them and staying at their home ensures that happens.  After we set up, we went to visit with Mom and Dad. Krista met up with us and we eventually met BreZaak at the food court in the mall.  Ah - it's so fun to have Gherkins gathering.

Family Night

Arielle asked if we could do s'mores tonight. We had a casual dinner and enjoyed sitting around the charcoal talking  (NO OPEN FIRE - FULL BUCKET OF WATER NEARBY AND DOUSED THE COALS WHEN DONE). The weather cooperated by cooling down.....

 

Stacia serenaded us while we waited....

Arielle chose this evening to share deep thoughts with us......the top of Michael's head looks like the batman logo.....

 

Michael was appreciative of this observation. 

Now, I need to go pack for tomorrow. With this job looming, I realize a great perk to full time RVing....I won't have to PACK before we TRAVEL.