VBS 2015

Well, it was VBS time once again and once again the availability of quality, Biblical faithful curriculum was hard to find. That is why we chose the only sure thing: Ken Hamm and the guys at Answers in Genesis. This year the theme was "Camp Kilimanjaro: An Epic Expedition Through Proverbs". The children hit many points of proverbs dealing with wisdom vs. foolishness such as: the power of the tongue to build up and destroy, the dangers of walking with fools, the benefits of walking with the wise, the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, and the Word of God as the true source of it. Here is a link to Answers in Genesis for a look at future or past VBS curriculum.

Jordyn, of course, had an amazing time. Last year, we wondered how well she would do this year. In truth, we assumed she would still be too immature for a few years. We were wrong. She got way more out of VBS that we had thought or hoped. She had zero problems with discipline, learned her memory verses, and, even now, runs around the house singing all of the songs. We are very proud of her. I know she cannot wait for next year.

Camp Kilamanjaroooooo!!

Be sure to take frequent breaks from singing to get a bite from our Fruit Loop bracelet.

Every Expedition needs a guide...

That is a lot of Trekkers.

Such great little buddies!!



More Summer Fun

We had decided to make the most of this summer. It continues to be an eventful summer indeed. Here are some of the other happenings happening around the Elliott house.

Alvin made a wind tunnel for Jordyn. (Basically a large tarp, anchored on 3 sides, with air being funneled into one end) She was convinced that it was a cave and she was a bat the entire time. She had fun running from one end to the other.

 We through a little pool party for the twins, Ben and Beau. These guys are so cool!!

 This is one of the funniest thing that has happened all summer. Caleb has been cutting his front two teeth for nearly 7 years (it feels like it). It reached a fever pitch during and right after the Texas trip. When we got home, we noticed that he was incredibly fussy, so we gave him a dose of Advil. After we gave it to him, we noticed that he was uncharacteristically quiet. When we checked on him, first, he was just sitting in the hallway playing with his elephant. However, when we checked on him a second time (just minutes later), although it was nearly an hour before his nap, this is what we found. He was slumped over and passed out from the obvious relief brought by the medicine. So thankful we don't have to cut teeth as adults...

Next, was Jordyn's first haircut. Alvin did not think that there was that big of a change. He thinks haircuts should be drastic because his always are. I think she did great.



Before

After

One of our newest summer past times is skating. Apparently, since skates small enough to fit a child Jordyn's size are basically boots with stationary wheels, and since a child Jordyn's age usually tires of "skating" after about 18 seconds, Jack's Skateland offers to let people like Jordyn do it for free every Saturday morning. They even throw in some animal crackers from time to time. Jordyn actually really likes it, as does Caleb. She is getting a chance to see the "big kids" skate while she scoots around the rink at speeds that would rival most adult snails. She is not even really fast enough to overtake Caleb in a race, but I am not sure she even realizes. To be honest, I think her favorite part is hearing "Old McDonald Had A Farm" played loud enough that she can scream the lyrics without anyone noticing. At any rate, we sure have looked forward to our Saturday mornings.

Finally, one of our coolest things about being at the dinner table is watching all of the hummingbirds out of our dining room window. July is hummingbird viewing time.

Lubbock and the Big "D"

Last month we took, what would be for us, the greatest (in time spent away from home) vacation that we have ever taken. For 10 days we covered nearly 1,300 miles and stayed in 3 hotels in 9 nights. Though it was littered with the daily need for antibiotics, the constant ache newly budding teeth, eye drops every four hours, inhaler puffs twice a day, and all of the interesting challenges that hotels bring to the lodging of small children, it proved to be a very fulfilling and strengthening time for our family. We spent some great time with family. We spent amazing time with friends. We were able to observe many corners of God's creative mind in nature that we rarely (or never) get to see.

Our first stop was at the Amarillo Zoo.

He had that pointer going a lot this trip.

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   This is Alvin's new favorite animal. The "Skink".

   

Next, we headed to Lubbock to surprise our dear grandparents for their 80th birthday. It was a very beautiful event, they were completely surprised, and we were given opportunity to meet many people that knew Alvin when he was young and had many nice things to say about his grandparents.

Here is the birthday boy (H.A.) and girl (Barbara), Alvin's grandparents.

The kids really appreciated the dance floor.

 

There was nice time spent with Aunt Sage, Big Alvin, Gwen, and Aunt Kerry also.

 



From left: (Alvin, Sage, Gwen, H.A., Barbara, Kerry, Jordyn, Crystal, Caleb, and Alvin)

This marked only the midpoint of the trip. We then went to Dallas for the "Teach Them Diligently Conference". It was a glorious chance to be realigned, rejuvenated, revived, and reminded of the goals, most efficient methods, and Godward call of being parents that are choosing to teach our children. We met some friends there that made it that much sweeter.

30th floor at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

We also visited the Dallas Aquarium. One of the coolest things we have ever done.

9 Months!

She is trying to make a crab face.

SHARK TUNNEL!!

Caleb just had to get a shark from the gift shop.

Lastly, we went with our very close friends to the Dallas Zoo.

 

 Glad to be back.

 

A&C