Happy 8th birthday, Vanessa!

Cool Man Zane

Zane is cool. And cute. :-) The other day while at the pool, and as we were reviewing letter sounds and rhyming words, I pointed out that this winter he needs to get ready to preregister for school and it would be helpful if he didn't act silly and answer "poop" for almost everything. He replied "I don't want to go to school. I just want to do what I want and play all day." I was impressed he appreciates how good he has it.

*top photo credit to Grandma

At the Car Wash

The kids love to go to the car wash. Now, anyhow. Yeah, it's a pretty fun thing for most kids. They only want to go if I'm buying the one with colors. I get that -- it looks cool, doesn't it?!

When Vanessa was a toddler and we would take her, she would freak. She also freaked the first time she was aware of other vehicles on a speedy highway, though. I remember when she was 9 months old and she first realized we were driving 65mph beside a tractor trailer -- her whole nervous system was rattled.

When Zane was younger he just hid his eyes at the car wash. I remember his eyes welling up with tears the first time.

Zane still studies the machinery as it moves around the van. And Vanessa spends the time reassuring others, most likely to just reassure herself.  We've paid for the colors before and have been disappointed when only one color came out. Talk about a huge disappointment. :-)

Footsie Wars

Surely we're not the only ones to play footsie wars?! Their expressions crack me up. At least Mommy can still win at something. Maybe not for long, but for now... :-)

Summer of VBSes

Vanessa still goes back to visit friends and family at Northwest Bible's VBS. Their theme was Ocean Commotion, which was a perfect followup to our vacation beach trip. They always have extra participation days, like dress as something related to the theme. Vanessa went as a jellyfish. After it was all said and done, she and Zane were invited back to participate in their marketing video. It was a great experience and they were both excited to do it for Him!

Violet Baptist did the same theme as our church -- Journey Off the Map -- except families hosted the events at their homes, to reach kids in their individual communities. We got to go over for a night. At the end they passed out communication cards asking kids to determine where they thought they were in their journey in a relationship with Christ. Zane took this very seriously. He wrote his name and as each option was shared, he marked that he was still thinking about the importance of a relationship with Christ. I was overly impressed and will pray for him!

The set for Guide Church's VBS was over the top this year, due to the awesome work of so many. Zane has been really sick and sadly missed out on the experience, but we're thankful I could facilitate crafts and Vanessa could bring friends. She even dressed the part one night but I didn't get a picture. It's amazing what so many will do to share the Word with so many little ones. My heart has been touched.