We have been experiencing two very special weeks! Last week was "Saddle Ridge Ranch"--VBS Adventure Week. I think everyone involved is totally exhausted--but so exhilarated about the experience we shared! There were 320 enrolled, and Ralph and I were responsible for providing snacks for all of the 150 teachers, and approximately 150 Preschoolers. We had blue containers for every classroom, and snacks for each teacher in that class. These boxes had to be delivered to each class by 9:15.
We had lots of good helpers. Couldn't have done it without them! Most of them have been working with us each year for 4 years!
Pressley had a tummy ache one day, and enjoyed getting lots of attention in the "snack room". The next day, even though she was feeling much better, she thought of every excuse possible to come back to visit.
All the kids( as well as the adults) wore Saddle Ridge Ranch t-shirts that were designed to look like western shirts. I doubt that we'll ever wear them again, though. Here is Evan with friends, Jonah and Walden.
Walden and Pressley are the same age--and are "big buddies".
The grade school worship team was wonderful, and taught the kids a lot of great songs.
Walden and Jonah's mom, Lisa, and our Amy were the worship leaders for Preschool. Their characters' names were Dixie and Daphne. Their skits each day were funning, but also taught a special lesson about how God always takes care of us, and how He made each of us very special and has a purpose for each of us.
Friday was the last day of VBS, and Saturday, Amy and Corin left for Costa Rica to celebrate their 10th Wedding Anniversary. We are having another great adventure!
Saturday, we made cupcakes. Poppy and Pressley made the cupcakes and GranNan iced them.
Pressley is holding the "cute little watermelon" we'll cut later.
The days have already been full, and by the end of the day, Evan and Pressley are both ready for bed!
Does this look relaxing? That's exactly what Ralph and I were looking for after the "two special weeks" I described in my previous post. Don't get me wrong--we enjoyed our VBS week, and LOVED our "Evan and Pressley week". However, we just needed a rest! So, on Sunday evening around 11:00PM( after E&P had left on Friday evening), we started exploring the internet for "getaways". Beth had suggested Priceline.com or Hotwire.com., so we got busy looking into each of those sights. To our surprise, we found that Hotwire was offering a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night stay at the Marriott at Sawgrass for only $69 per night! Needless to say, we jumped on that! By Monday morning at 9:00, we were on our way South!
We had a great little trip! The Marriott has two nice pools and access to the beach by shuttle or by car. Both days, we spent relaxing by/in the pool--then we went to the beach in the afternoon. Notice that I didn't show pictures of us in our bathing suits( out of the pool )--that's just something you're not going to see on this blog!!!!
The pool was adjacent to the lake, and we had a visit from this little guy. It was obvious that he was used to being around people--he didn't seem the least bit bothered by us!
Our stay was really nice. It was short, but just what we needed. Today, we experienced one of those extra special days in the life of grandparents. Our sweet Abby was baptized. We just thank God that He brought her into Beth and David's home, and that she has now given her heart to Him and accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour! Had she stayed in China, we can't help but realize how very different her little life would be. All I can say is "praise the Lord"!
After the service at Beth and David's church, the whole family(17 strong) went to Houndstooth Grill and had lunch together.
Ralph and I gave Abby a new Bible to commemorate her Baptism Day. I think she was very pleased with it.
As I said, it was a very special day! We pray that each of our precious "Grands" will ultimately make the same important decision-- to ask Jesus into their hearts and live for Him for the rest of their lives.
