V.B.S.

Welcome to Narnia a place of wonder and imagination.

Here are some pics from this last week of V.B.S. It would take to long to share everything that we did and all the help we had but here are a few. (I'm sure you can imagine how hard it is for me to squeeze pictures from a whole week into one post :)

After church on Sunday everyone helped to decorate for the next week.

We blew up 144 balloons to look like snow balls.

We made a forest out of Christmas Trees.

And we spread paper shreds to look like snow.

Monday morning we spread out all of the 'snow balls' to prepare for the kids that were coming.

And then we were greeted by the 'White Witch' (or Dawn).
She went around that morning and tried to tempt kids with her Turkish Delight. More than one child fell for her fateful trap.
Later Dawn shared how the Turkish Delight was like the temptations we are tricked with.For snacks that day we decorated little cakes.
I think that Antonia missed her mouth!

During the week we learned how the armor of God helps us fight against temptation.

The Belt of Truth.

Look at all of those belts!

The Breastplate of Righteousness.

Everyone had fun using the paint on their armor!

Aslan snacks!

On Wednesday we used these letters to put the kids names on their shields.

But before that we used the extra pieces to write our names.

The Shields of Faith.

The Shoes of Peace.

Thankfully the shoes didn't require any paint bottles!

Pile on Reid!

Here the kids are practicing their memory verse. Ephesians 6: 10 &11

The helmet of Salvation. (Oh no! More paint!)

The last piece of armor and the only piece used for defense.

The Sword of the Spirit.

Snow Cones!I think that this was everyone's favorite snack! It was the perfect treat for a hot day. We even ended up having snow cone fight. I would have taken pictures of that but it wouldn't have been safe for my camera!

On Friday the kids got dressed up in their armor to prepare for battle with the White Witch.

I think Kaleb was probably the cutest warrior.

Hmm... I think she is a little out numbered.
After we were done with V.B.S. for the day we had a Baked Potato buffet...
...and watched Narnia. (the movie)
Here is most of the whole group at the end of a great week.
There isn't space to say thank you to all of those involved, but it couldn't have been done without all of you!

Welcoming the Kotzems

Sunday morning the Refugees got to welcome Lauren and Wolfgang's friends the Kotzem family. They are visiting from Germany. (Notice the backs of their cool shirts?)

They started the morning with the Frog Jumping contest.

One of their frogs won first place!

First place prize. First place smile.

Introductions for the Refugees: Frank (the Dad), Ines (the Mom), (the kids) Elias, Joschi, Antontia, and Lena.

Playing carpet ball the German way?

Antonia, Lena, Elias, and Joschi.

Watch the ball...
...as it flies by.

Faith and I had fun playing a really cool duet (just for fun) and Joy decided to help us!

With some coaching by her Mom (Ines) we got to hear Lena play.

Joy and Kaleb had fun watching the chickens.

Even chickens have bad hair days.
We don't get too many pictures of these two on the blog!

Melody, Faith, and I went on a walk to find raspberries and I couldn't resist this pretty spot for a picture!
Another adorable smile!
Watching horse shoes.
Can they score any points?
Orla kept the game rolling with all the points she made!

The perfect toy for a hot day!
Lena and Isaac are so cute to watch when they play together. Lena cannot speak English and Isaac cannot speak German, but somehow that doesn't make any difference!

Even Gab and I joined in on the fun!
You can't really tell from this picture but Becky just threw a bowl of water all over Jordan. For some reason after that none of us girls were safe until the Lees left!
Jill and Rich took their paddle boat out for a ride, and when they were done they let the rest of us take a turn.Mourey and Frank.
Antonia and I and Lena is climbing onto the back.
The perfect place to watch supper as it was being made! Wonderful cooks!

Time to eat!
Lots of hungry people.
Fly killer!
Good friends and a fire... It can't get much better!