Not so black and white

Hendrix will cut paper and focus on shapes intensely. And with each cut, describe the new shape transforming into a new character and the particular traits it has. It's fun to watch and listen.

Summer Evenings with Zane

To each her/his own . . .

A Hendrix Funny

He came up with this on his own. :-)

Routine

Before pulling the yard waste bin back to its spot, he helped me roll the trash and recycling cans back. He loves to help!

Red Dragons, Engage Camp (Through Mom's Lens)

 As soon as Vanessa heard the color theme for her team at youth camp, she ran to me to announce we were streaking her hair with scarlet red coloring. She had to take b-day pics before too, but it was fun how excited she became. And Zane had to show supporting spirit as well, only his turned out maroon with the same dye!

 We sent Vanessa off for her first teen camp and as one of the younger ones there. I had full confidence that she would have a blast and enjoy the time with older friends. My prayers mostly revolved around physical protection. It was nice to not receive a call about a broken bone or other ailment.

 Youth Pastor Dan gave the rundown.

And off they went!

Her brothers were hoping to say bye and give hugs but I had to hang around for my own pure enjoyment. :-)

There are a ton of pics. And I looked for them every day and throughout each day. I wasn't able to save them all here. :-) But I'm so thankful all the friends and counselors shared! It made me a little envious . . . :-)

 The teams took turns serving and doing outreach programs. Vanessa got to serve banana pudding. She journaled a lot, so I do not need to repeat the major impact the experiences had on her, but I will note here that she raved and raved about the meatball sub at camp. :-) She did not like the chicken nuggets and powdered milk, though. :-)

The Camp hosts a 4th of July celebration, so Vanessa was able to enjoy her own round of fireworks! I bet it was a blast! (By this point a counselor shared a pic of Vanessa as red as a lobster. ;-)

 This gal is a singer for the band, Breakaway.

 It was awesome to see Vanessa greet her brothers with big hugs! And Hendrix and Zane were eager to help get her camp gear and load it back into the van.

Vanessa shared the impact her friends coming to Christ had on her and how thankful she is for each of them. It's moments like these I'm so extra thankful for her and proud of the way she speaks so well in front of others.

July 4th

With Vanessa at camp it was a Cub Scout kind of 4th of July, and a great way for us to do some of Zane's fun stuff. Zane scored a big week with trips to the pool, playdates and a sleepover. We went looking for special fireworks drives. For Red, White and Boom, we drove what ended up being a perfect route to experience the fireworks up close while also facing the grand finale before turning back home. And then on the 4th, we decided to walk up Northwest Prky a short bit, to watch Hilliard's. 

Doing His Things

What's a little brother to do? Zane spent a lot of time doing things that are special to him. I love how he spent the week digging into his stuff, especially with a lot of his belongings still packed away, while waiting on his room to get bumped out . . .

Zane's Perspective of Vanessa's Band Camp Performance

Thank you for the pictures, Zane!

And let us note that Vanessa won a whole Hershey bar that week! We didn't get a photo but she held onto the wrapper, intending it as a keepsake . . . I'm thankful that with a tad bit of encouragement, she threw it away . . .