VBS

Our church had VBS the last week of July-first of August. We had over 60 kids and gave 16 Bibles away to kids who didn't have one! And, we had 7 kids raise their hands on Friday who made a decision to give their lives to Jesus Christ. What a great, great week worth all the work and preparation that went into it. We were EXHAUSTED, all of us, but a good tired. Josh took the week off of work to help out.

Miss Leslie and Gina on set-up day. 

Maryn's group:

Gina, Livy and some of their friends busting a move on stage w/ the GoFish guys:

We decided it would be fun to go camping at Deception Pass that week to save time and gas. Wow! Camping and VBS, we must be crazy. The kids had a great time though. 

The girls and Keaton and Cole:

Camp fire:

The Holy Spirit was working in the lives of the kids and the leaders that week. What a great, great thing to be a part of! Praise Jesus!

Maryn's Birthday

Well, for the first time in her life, Maryn had a friend party for her birthday! She invited her fairiest of fairies and they had a fairy good time! We built fairy houses and partook of cake that, well, ummm, what can I say? The cake was made by Gina and dad--a caramel apple cake. When I came home from work that day, the smell was, well, distinct. Josh said, "The oil I used didn't smell very good." Well, it didn't taste very good either. But the fairys barely noticed (we noticed no one took more than a bite of cake). Its the mistakes and whoopses in life that make memories, right?

Here are some photos from the day:

The Tinkerbells!

Sweet Eva with her fairy house, Queen Esther in the background:

Maryn with her other presents, a new bike helmet from her family and a new American Girl doll dress from Papa and Grandma Kamps:

And, we decided that the rancid cake was just not enough so Gina, Livy and I made Aunt Gloria Zylstra's famous, delicious, filled chocolate cupcakes. :) Aunt Gloria is battling cancer in Sioux Falls, SD and is an amazing fighter! We pray for her daily! And, we made her cupcakes with butter! :)

Seriously, I can't believe this little girl, this miracle baby, the one who was--by doctor's words--not to be, is 4 years old. Amazing! She is such a fun, wonderful, "strong-willed" little girl! Happy birthday, Maryn! We love you!