VBS!

This past week the kids and I have been in Nazareth! That was the theme of the VBS at our church this year, "Hometown Nazareth." The kids learned about where Jesus grew up and about his ministry. Everyday they separated into the 12 tribes of Israel and came to "The Marketplace" where different "shopkeepers" helped them do crafts and talked about Jesus and what they knew (or didn't know) about Jesus:) Mina was in the tribe of Dan.

 and Max was a Levite:)

  Magnus was in the nursery;)

I was the Rock Quarry shopkeeper, Rebecca:)

I didn't believe in Jesus and got to ask the kids what and why they believe. They also got to dig rocks out of the "quarry" (a kiddie pool filled with dirt;) and we strung them to make a necklace:) It was a fun time and I got to be outside in the glorious weather we've had this past week! There was also the "wool shop" where they took strands of wool and shrank them to make little balls.

The Bead Bazaar. This one was really popular:) They got to make their own beads out of clay, paint them, and string them on a necklace. There are some pretty creative kids out there:)

There was also the Food Market which was -of course- very popular!

Especially with my kids!

 at the Olive oil shop the kids would grind salt and herbs and put it in little canisters with olive oil:)

 It can get pretty crowded in the marketplace!

They also go to go out to the field and play outside games with, uh, these guys?

I'm not sure who (or what) they were supposed to be- I don't think they did either;)- but it looks like a good time right? They also got to visit Mary's house and hear stories about Jesus. Didn't get any pictures of that:(  I loved the theme of this VBS and how it was all about Jesus. Nothing fancy, over the top or trite, just Jesus and his ministry. They also had an "evidence of God's grace" tree where they wrote their own evidences on leaves to fill the tree:)

I was looking it over I noticed a really cute "evidences" and who wrote them:)

I didn't see any of Mina's but one of the things she said was that we got to keep Mija:)  Like I said it was a fun, busy week but we all had a great time! Thanks to everyone who volunteered and put it together, and all the crazy kids who made it fun!

New addition

Well, I hope it's better late than never because this new addition has already been here for a month:) I thought I'd (finally) put out an official announcement/introduction. Meet Mija!

Our new little doggie! She is half Chug (chihuahua/pug mix) and half teacup chihuahua:) She's 4 years old and super sweet and cuddly. Mina is excited to have a new roommate and she is fitting in quite well around here! Welcome Mija! I can't wait to get my newly purchased dog purse in the mail to carry you around in ;)

Nani and Papa weekend

Well, I didn't take as many pictures as usual, but that only means there will only be like 100 pictures in this post;) This past weekend we headed over the mountains to see my Mom and Dad to try to soak up some sun that hadn't been seen much around these parts. We started the weekend out right:)

WATER FIGHT!!!

Mina was enjoying the sun with her new dog:)

Yeah, yeah, I know there is a whole other story (and post) there, but I'll save it for another time:) Everyone was enjoying the sun!

Well almost everyone

That's better:)

Papa got some kid time:)

Nani got some Mija time:)

The kids enjoyed eating out on the porch

and we all had some patio time!

Cute daddy and daughter!

Nani taught the kids how to give Indian burns (why, I don't know)

and I'm not sure what is going on here

Then it was time for smores! Papa showed Magnus the ropes

but Magnus is a pro

So is Mina:)

Mmmmmm

Magnus is so good at sharing

Mija got in on it too, of course (I mean she is half pug!)

and then the kids got a super treat!

CAMPING WITH NANI AND PAPA!! That was a BIG hit:) I didn't get a lot of pics (well, hardly any, really). This was Nani and Papa camp time;) But I managed to sneak a pic of the scary ghost story telling:)

It was such a great trip! Thank you, Nani and Papa for all the fun!

Who done it?

Who would do this to such a sweet man?

Ok, so it's not the worst black eye ever, but it looks worse in person. Can you guess how he got it?

He may look cute and sweet, but give him a drumstick and WATCH OUT!