Backyard Bible Club

This past week was a neat and exciting week for Harbin. With the new baby on the way, we weren't sure that he could attend our church's Kids Camp this summer, so instead we let him visit a friend's house for a Backyard Bible Club.

First, let me explain how the week worked. Joanie, our friend, was one of many mom's at their church who hosted a daily VBS in her yard. The goal was to allow the children within the neighborhood to attend, free of charge, and without having to travel to the church. Two people from the church came out each day and played games with the kids, taught a short Bible lesson, and helped the kids make a craft.

So, on Monday, we set out to Joanie's house (not too far from ours) and joined about 4 or 5 other kids for the Backyard Bible Club. Harbin was hesitant at first-I think a little confused that we weren't just going to play with his friend Sam at Sam's house. However, as the morning progressed he warmed up to the idea.

Throughout the week Harbin looked forward to each morning when we would head over to Sam's house and play with his "new friends" (as Harbin called them). He had a blast playing water games and making crafts. Catherine even got the hang of how to play with the big parachute.

At the end of the week, the church held a free carnival on the church campus with games for the kids, snow cones, lunch and of course, Harbin's favorite- bounce houses. Sam and Harbin had a blast bouncing around, fishing for candy, and getting their faces painted. Even Catherine got her face painted- and of course a sucker to keep her happy while they painted it.

Anyways, many thanks to Joanie and Grace Fellowship church for hosting such a wonderful thing for the kids. We were excited that Harbin could attend some kind of Bible study this summer before Lydia's arrival and the chaos that will soon overcome our house!!

Once again, I hope my next blog will be about our new addition, although I make no promises. Apparently she is either the most content or most stubborn child ever. I head to the OB this afternoon to see what they say- I am 3 days overdue, but hope that she will still decide to come on her own without an induction!!!

The mom.

Mom and Jonathan's Reception

This weekend was filled with activites and excitement- although wonderful, much to MY dismay, none of them involved birthing a baby!!

Anyways, Mom and Jonathan had their wedding reception this weekend and we were honored and blessed to be able to join so many family members in celebrating their marriage. Almost the whole Rapanos gang came up/down for the event (we missed you, Rachael), and it was fun to see all of the kids together.

Friday night was a cookout at the Country Club across the street from Peter and Beverly's house (Jonathan's parents). We joined some Thomas family members who were in town and most of us had a fun time playing in the pool, watching the kids on the playground and enjoying some good food. I say most of us, because I was feeling horrible on this particular evening and really thought Lydia would make her grand entrance. To my dismay, she did not.

Saturday, I woke up feeling much better, which was a great relief. I was able to shop during the day (BY MYSELF) and then we all got ready to head to the Greek Restaurant for the reception. The Tinney family drove down for the event, so my kids were in heaven with so many of their family members in one room. The reception had some wonderful Greek food as well as belly dancers (both professional and well...not-so-professional). Harbin really liked the belly dancers and just stared while they danced. It was customary to throw napkins in the air while they were dancing, and he didn't care for this too much- he ended up trying to pick the napkins up off of the floor and put them back on the table----what can I say, he's a little OCD like his mommy. His reenactment of the belly dancers later on was hilarious as he lifted his shirt and danced around the room.

Today we finished off the weekend with a Rapanos family brunch at mom's house. We had tons of great breakfast foods as well as leftovers from last night. We all stuffed our faces once again and then sat around trying to keep our eyes open. We all said our goodbye's and have finally come home to rest, hopefully in preparation for the arrival of LYDIA- any day now would be great!!!

I have put a bunch of pics on here, and will post a link to the rest of the pics on the right hand side when I can get it loaded.

With any hope the next blog will be about our new addition, but only time will tell...

The mom.

In other family news...

I thought it would be nice to recognize some major acheivements and occasions for those family members not in our immediate family.

My sister, Kristen, graduated from North Gwinnett High School a few weeks ago. We were excited to able to attend her graduation ceremony as she received her high school diploma!

This past week, my mom (Farmer) and Jonathan got married in Jaimaica. Although we were sad we weren't invited to the wedding, we were glad that they enjoyed their weddingmoon and returned safely as newlyweds.

And, finally, Scott's middle brother, Skylar, graduated from high school this week, completing school a year early.

We are proud of everyone's accomplishments and new endeavors and we look forward to seeing what everyone continues to do!!

The mom.