VBS 2015 - Everest

When my friend Kassidy asked me if I wanted to help with decorations for Vacation Bible School I had no idea that she was making me the lead for theYounger Kids Decorations Committee.  Goodness. 

I was intimidated and nervous as I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. There wasn't a ton of information handed down to me..in fact, there wasn't really any information. I just had to ask questions. To make matters worse I couldn't even remember what the decorations had looked like the previous year - so I had no idea how to gauge the project . Yikes. Anyhow, with lots of help and many many hours we were able to create some pretty cool decorations for the kiddos!were pleased :)

Entry Before:

 

Entry After:

Stairway Entrance Before

Stairway Entrance After

Stairway Before

Stairway After

Younger Kid Entrance Before

After

We made an 'Ice Cave' using PVC pipe and lots of white plastic table cloths

The hanging icicles lit up and flashed in different colors.  

And the hallways...they were so long. and brown. lol

Little by little we transformed them...

We had a lot of help over the week and I think it all turned out great! 

Ready for VBS...

Making snow!

Looking for their little brothers who were playing outside

I took some pics of the older kids decorations too! Wanted as much inspiration for next year as possible. 

Ryan and Kelby at VBS

Eileen & Sydney

Popsicles for a cause!

Sharing with Hayden!

Our first visit to the ER

With three little kiddos I knew it was bound to happen - it was never really a question of "if it would happen" but more of "when will it happen".  And now I know. I am completely grateful for the fact that it was not an incredibly eventful or life-threatening situation. Plus if you are gonna hang out at the hospital for four hours I would recommend having Nat with you! It was nice to have time to actually chat with her and she also came stocked with a bag of tricks (seriously... all sorts of snacks and charged ipads). Nat FTW!

Backing up a little bit....
We met Katie & Nat for lunch at the Shops at Park Lane. We were chatting while the boys played in the water feature...which also features a bunch of rocks. If you know boys...you know they love rocks. And throwing rocks into water is probably one of my boys favorite things to do. So that's what they did.   Yes, I realize that the creators of this water/rock feature were not creating this for children...but when you have rocks and water it's really difficult to keep a handful of boys away from it. Anyhow, one thing lead to another and as Andy was trying to make a BIG splash, Grayson head was in the way....and BAM. Nothing like getting knocked in the head with a big ol' rock to end a lunch date. Although I watched the entire thing play out I didn't expect blood. I was worried about a concussion and just thought there would be a bruise. When I picked him up I realized there was blood...which then kinda sent me into a little mini panic. BUT, I must say, as much as I hate blood and any type of medical emergency I think I was pretty darn calm (go me!).

Once Grayson was in his car seat he was actually not even crying anymore. When we got to the ER he was asking for goldfish. I was starting to doubt the severity of this...he seemed completely fine (minus the gash).  I called his pediatrician (office was at lunch when it happened) and they recommended that we stayed put. So we did. Grayson was in such good spirits (which was great) but I was worried that maybe I overreacted and that after all this waiting we would be sent home with a big ol' bill and a band-aid.

 

Just hanging out. I don't know why their faces are so goofy but it was the best shot I got. You should see the rest. 

Finished the goldfish and moved onto Pirates Booty...

 

So that's all I could see...not a very big cut at all.  But it was deep (right? I mean I am pretty sure it was....lol I second guessed myself the entire time).

 

They came in and put some numbing medicine on a cotton ball...and wrapped this around his head to keep it in place. Then we had to wait. He said 20 minutes but I am pretty sure it was close to an hour. 

 

And then they came in and put a staple in. One little staple. Grayson didn't even know. Like, did not even flinch. 

Nothing. 

Nada. 

And then we waited another 45 minutes to be released. Finally.

All in all I guess he needed a staple...but I wish I would have gone somewhere quicker! 

He still has not complained or really even mentioned his head hurting. What a tough little cookie!

Memorial Day Weekend in Austin

It's always a good weekend when you spend it in Austin. We headed down Saturday morning to visit with friends and celebrate Jacob's 35th birthday.  We arrived around 2pm and found everyone swimming in the Pearson's backyard...but that didn't last long because it started to pour down rain about 30 minutes after we arrived.

The kids had a blast playing together...running all over the house and hiding under the beds.


Justin with all the little ladies!


Even Bob was invited - reunited with his buddy Deebs!

Stacey threw Jacob's birthday bash at Thirsty Planet Brewery. Fried chicken, mac n' cheese and beer. Pretty perfect if you ask me.

 

The boys

 

And their better halves :)

 

Hayden wasn't pleased with daddy eating her mac n cheese. 

 

The kids were invited and thank goodness for the jenga blocks...that was basically our babysitter the entire time. Kevin and I have been meaning to get some for our backyard and this just solidified our decision.

 

They built so many different things with the blocks and of course...loved destroying it all. 

 

This little girl took Grayson under her wing. They were best buddies all night.

 

So much fun!

So the party was from 6 - 9pm...and we were gonna head out about 8ish to get the kids down but when we finally got ready to go we were under a tornado watch. All was fine and we were just chillin out but then the lights went out. Soooo...we took cover. In the fridge. There were a lot of kegs so the men were happy.

 

The weather calmed down and we were able to safely make it home.

On our way out the bartender offered some free "low-fill" beers to us. The crate was a little wobbly so they secured it with saran wrap. Good stuff. 

On Sunday morning Jacob made kolaches and waffles for everyone. 

Grayson was pretty excited to help.

 

The kiddos chowing down on breakfast. 

 

After a lazy morning of playing and park time we had a little quiet time before heading out to the Paprocki's for swimming.

 

This little lady loves the water!

 After a little swimming we took the golf cart down to the barns to feed the horses. Ryan wasn't interested (surprise) but Grayson thought it was pretty cool.

 

The kids put a bunch of beer in the wagon and strolled it around to all of the adults. Well trained. 

 

As the third child it is somewhat amazing that Hayden actually has some sort of schedule. The good thing is that she can adjust to anything...like not having a schedule.

 

The men played two heated games of volleyball. I'm not so sure who won, but they sure were aggressive. 

LIttle ladies playing

Happy girl!

Such a fun weekend with friends!