The Drunkard & Olio

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This weekend we headed to surprise Pawpa with a visit. The kids took turns playing dominos with Dad, a game he always wins! When we lived in Tulsa, we made several visits to the Spotlight Theater's Drunkard and Olio. It is one of the longest running productions in the country, something like 54 years! The plays message is on the evils of alcohol. Audiance participation is required to boo the bad guy, cheer the hero, and participate in the sing-a-long of 'roll out the barrell'! Jon and I have taken Frankie several times, but this was Caleb and Abigail's first visit. As you can see they were a little timid on-stage! Hmmm, they get that from Jon! The photo of the kids with Mimi, show the sad faces because Pawpa didn't feel well enough to join us for the play!

Happy Birthday, Jon!

Birthdays are breakfast in bed, and today we celebrated Jon's birthday! Lots of fun gift served with Dr. Pepper and chocolate donuts! Even Padme' gets to hop on the bed to join the fun. I would post pictures of the birthday boy, but he declined flash photography this early in the morning!

Aliens vs. Monsters

When Caleb finished up camp, we headed over to the theater to see Monsters vs. Aliens. I'm game for most 'kid' movies. But this one, wasn't worth the $0.75 admission price, to me. Abigail enjoyed it, so apparently it appeals to an eight and under audience!

Cage Camp . . .

After Abigail enjoyed a week at church camp, it was then Caleb's time to enjoy at little camp time. He attended camp at Extra Innings and brushed up on his skills. I think it's brilliant that they keep the kids in a cage, that would have helped at church camp! Just kidding!!!! Mr. Kelly's staff was great, they are such positive guys, Caleb had a great time!

Little Kids Camp

It is that time again for church camp! We left Sunday with fifty 3rd thru 6th graders. This was Abigail's first year as a camper. She was so excited. Sam, our youth minister, drove the bus with the trailer and I drove the fourteen passenger van.

Camp was held at Beavers Bend State Park. It was so very pretty, rolling hills, trees, rivers, and wildlife! Our city kids played horse shoes, and ping pong. They competed in everything from three on three basketball to bubble gum blowing.

In the morning campers participated in a Bible Bowl competition. Afternoons included swimming the the river, two mile hikes and visits to the Nature Center.
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It was an amazing week. I love camp with the kids! Abigail managed to twist her ankle and spent a few days on crutches, but is perfectly fine now! Her cabin took 2nd place in the Bible Bowl competition, She took 2nd place in the cabin bubble gum blowing contest and was given the Excellence Award for, 'Seeker - Hungry for God.'

Summer Fun

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Today we wrestled with the idea of sorting, washing and folding laundry for camp or going to the pool with friends. Guess which one won?!! You bet, we were poolside! One of the best days of summer. . . friends, sun, water and snacks!

Winding Down

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Following three days of Service camp we decided to wind down with a little time at the bowling alley. I think we have bowled more this summer than we have in the past five years put together. It is a fun time for the kids to play and moms to chat, plus it is in the air conditioning!

Service Camp - Day Three

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Day three of Service Camp began with a stop off at McDonald's. We took the kids to Allen Community Outreach. They take in donations of gently used clothing, furniture and household items, the Resale Shop offers a service to families in need by providing a place to "shop" for necessities. Proceeds of the sales benefit the families in need in our the communities of Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Families screened through ACO’s caseworkers are given a voucher for each family member to use to purchase school clothes for children, warm winter coats, suits and dresses for work, shoes, household items and more.

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Our youth sorted and cleaned donations. They cleaned the store from parking lot to display cabinets. They also greeted customers, and carried furniture to their cars.

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When our work was finished, we headed to the Cooper's lovely home for some pool time!

Service Camp - Day Two

Day two for our Service Camp was spent at God's Food Pantry. They have a reputation for being a food source for anyone in need so that no one goes hungry. They distribute tens-of-thousands of pounds of donated food each month. Food items include fruits, vegetables, hot dogs, bread, canned goods, staples, and many more. The pantry is specifically designed to give food to the part of the local population that would normally go undernourished. Recipients include the homeless population and those who are just having

trouble making ends meet. They do not have to meet any specific criteria.

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For our service today we sorted donations, stocked shelves and handed out food. While we were at the pantry the sheriff's department had inmates deliver an overstock of canned goods. Yes, complete with guards with loaded guns and men & women in orange jumpsuits.

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I checked in individuals, my instructions on the check-in process included taking note of those with 'Sexual Offender' on their driver's licence. And yes, we did have several. Following our excitement, we finished the day off at Main Event with games and Laser Tag.

Service Camp - Day One

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Jr. High Service Camp began today. We began by baking cookies at the church building. Next we went to Hilltop Haven, a full-time residential facility for seniors. Upon arriving at Hilltop Haven we shared our cookies and played a dozen or so games of Bingo. The residents really enjoyed the kids. They take their bingo very seriously. I got to call a few of the games and I was surprised at how loud I had to yell.
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Following lunch we spent a little time at Strikz bowling.