Vacation Bible School

Last week was jam packed with activities for Dalton including VBS at St. Paul's during the day and then again at Salem in the evening. To add to the craziness I volunteered to be a tribe leader for the nursery group (2 & 3 year olds). Whew... not sure what I was thinking, but we all survived and enjoyed ourselves. We were certainly out of our norm getting home after 8:00 every night and still having to do the normal everyday activities. I can't imagine what it will be like in the future when extracurricular activities start with two kids. Mallory made an attempt at VBS this year, but we quickly learned it was not her cup of tea yet. Sitting still for a period of time is not her nature. Below are a few pictures from the week's activities.

Everyday the tribes stopped at "Mary's House" for their daily lesson.

Bead Bazaar - The first day Dalton chose to stop and make beads.

While in the 'Market Place' the 'Rock Quary' was a must.

What child does not like to dig in sand to discover treasure. 

Day 2 included a stop in the "Carpenter Shop" to build a pull lamb.

A stop in the "Olive Oil Shop" was also necessary to make mom a bath scrub.

The "Farmer's Market" allowed the kids to plant seeds, water them daily and watch them grow.

We can't forget about the daily fun and games. VBS would not be complete without games.

Day 3 was a change in plans. We certainly were thankful for the amazing rain duing the night, but unfortunately everything had to be moved inside. In the "Bake Shop" they learned how to make unleven bread which they got to take home.

I'm not exactly sure where they made these cute boxes for their offerings, just happened to catch a picture.

More games...

Another activity in the "Carpenter Shop" on day 4.

Swim Lessons - Week 2

After six days of swim lessons we have two little fishies. Dalton refreshed his memory from last year and continued to build new skills while Mallory exceeded our expectations. She learned to blow bubbles, jump in, go under water, kick her legs and most importantly get back to the side of the pool and hold on. We were told that Mallory will be swimming by herself next summer.

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

18 Month Pictures

I posted states about Mallory at 18 months a few weeks ago, but here are a few of her pictures finally. Hope you enjoy, they sure did!

Swim Lessons - Week 1

Dalton and Mallory both started swim lessons this week. Dalton has been taking them yearly since he was a baby, but this was a new adventure for Mallory. By the end of summer last year Dalton was swimming like a fish, but like they say with any skill "use it or loose it", well that is the case with Dalton. Put him in a pool this year and it seems everything he learned last year has been forgotten. Poor Lindsey has her work cut out for her, but surprisingly he is listening and following directions very well this week.

I was a bit concerned with Mallory... would she go to a stranger? would she understand? would she simply cry the entire time? Well the anwser to those questions are YES, YES and NO! She surprised us all the first day. There was no hesitation when Ryan handed her to Lori and not one tear has been shed. She too is a little fishy in the water. No hesitation even when it comes to going under the water. Why am I surprised when she continuously shows us she has no fear, but I am always amazed. My goal was for her to simply become comfortable in the environment.

Here is a look at the first week adventures:

Day 1 - Dalton Floating

Day 2 - Getting Instructions

Day 3 - Dalton swimming

Day 3 - Mallory picking toys to pick up off the steps.

Day 1 - Getting acquainted with the water

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3