I Won Something

Today ended a week of VBXtreme (sponsored by a local church called The Bridge). It's a VBS where, instead of a lot of singing and Bible study activities (which are great, don't me wrong, the kids attend those whenever possible, they love these things), they get to play soccer or basketball for three hours in the hot sun, sweating and getting exhausted, which I think is exactly what kids should do in the summer. They do take time for Bible study, memory verses, etc. during breaks in their playing. Since I only had two eligible kids home with me this week, Tay and Ty got to attend. Another VBS that we try to attend every year conflicted with this one, but that's the way things go sometimes. That church is Safe Harbor Presbyterian, the same church where the older boys attend their youth group. Our church, St. Christopher's, had their VBS back in June. Last year I ran the games portion of our VBS, but this year I begged to be excused. I was, however, recruited on the last day to play a small part of a father in a skit the kids acted out.

Anyway, Tyler chose to play basketball this year; Tay picked soccer. They had a great time, especially, I think, since they each chose different things to do and met their own new friends. Lately, I've noticed the twins choosing to do things separately, which I think is great. They each need to develop as individuals, not as half a twin. I think they are sorry it's over. The week ended with 'The Biridge Bash', a carnival-like celebration with free games, food, moonbounces, pony rides, live music, and prizes (thought I'd never get there, didn't you?). This is where I won something. I got a $10 gift card to coffee house. I was standing next a friend of mine whose eyes lit up when I got my gift card. She said she wanted to try that place (I had never heard of it) but hadn't gotten around to it yet. So I gave it her. When am I, with seven kids in tow, ever going to get a chance to visit a coffee house? And if I did, $10 would be a drop in the bucket when I got the final bill. Besides, my friend owns and runs a mini-golf course and they've given my kids free snowballs in the past. I was glad to be able to return the favor in a small way.

The older three kids are due back from NC tomorrow. I miss them. I hope they get home early, but they probably won't. McKenzie has a letter here from the softball team she wants to try out for. It's probably an invitation to their tryouts. I emailed the coach a while back and he said he'd send her something as soon as they set a date for tryouts. Kenzie's going to be very excited.