VBS

This past week was VBS at our church. Glenwood does an amazing job putting on a Vacation Bible School. This was Allyson's first official time to participate. I took both of the girls up each morning because in theory I was helping out with one of the stations ... luckily there was enough help at that station because I basically ended up with the littles - Lauren being the youngest of the group, and the oldest was a little over three. Allyson couldn't bear the being left part yet and Lauren was too busy wanting to walk around for the lone group leader to keep up with it. Two of the others in the group wanted to be held a lot so between those two and mine, there was no way for one adult to manage the group which totaled 6. 6 kids doesn't sound like much, but the little ones are really a handful.

All in all the girls really had a great time. During any of the singing times before or after the station rotations Lauren was fully ready to join in the fun. Every time there was a song with hand motions - such as the ever famous Father Abraham - she was up marching her little legs as fast as they could go around in circles and clapping her hands. She even got the "nod your head" part occasionally. I have never seen anything so cute. Allyson who tends to be somewhat of an observer was mostly happy to sit on a front pew and watch while holding her blankie (I would only let her have one or the other of Lorelai or the blankie .... the blankie wins in the nervous moments). By the end of the week she had warmed up to all of it quite a bit. Her favorite part was crafts - she really loved making things. Lauren's favorite part was most certainly the singing. Of course, Allyson would sing the songs all the way home each day and make sure we were going back to VVS tomorrow. She is just a little more shy than Lauren. Lauren seemed somewhat frustrated to not be "big enough" to do what the other kids were doing. She doesn't understand that kids aren't paying attention when she is underfoot and she tends to get trampled and get her feelings hurt. During snacks or free time she also had a little group of mother hens following her around and trying to help her a lot. She has grown quite a following!

Last night was the final program and Allyson willingly went up to participate in the songs. She has the coordination of her mother. If they are saying, "right arm" she was turning her head. If they were saying "nod your head" she was stomping her feet. What can I say - it was so sweet to watch! Lauren was trying to wiggle out of my arms and was pretty frustrated and screeching, so Justin told me to put her down. She went straight up to the front in joined right in with Father Abraham, stealing the show with her circular, hand clapping, head nodding march!

We are already looking forward to VBS next year.

I didn't really get many good pictures chasing them both around, but here are a couple from snack time one day- Justin was the "professor" - the theme this year was "Power Lab.