Water Slide Fun

We used this slide at the family picnic for Bible Day Camp and our kids (who were there early because we helped set it up) were able to play on it for a good hour before everyone else arrived. It's just another perk to being a pastor's kid.

After camp, my kids had water slide envy and put this together. It entertained them on a hot day and Obadiah proved to us once again that he has no fear.

More Bible Day Camp Fun

The last day of camp we had a picnic in the evening and invited the parents. We had the kids sing the songs they learned to the parents. Obie, who wasn't at camp until that night, ran up to the front for every song and then just stared at the audience.
Obie is a kid who is always on the move but the puppet show held his attention for some time.
The older kids put together a "Bible Rap" with the puppets. Elisabeth is one of the mice in the FAR corner.

The Mighty Mighty Peanuts Theme Song

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucy Gates!

Gracie's Widjiwat Birthday Party!

Widjiwats from near & far joined us for this festive occasion.

Notice the 5 foot snake skin that surrounds our center piece.
Joel read some of Gracie's favorite Widjiwat Rhymes.

What is this birthday madness all about?

Happy Birthday, Grace!

Grace is . . .

a good big sister,
a princess,

thoughtful,

a scientist,
a musician,
an athlete,
a horticulturist,
and 8 years old TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday, Grace!

Bible Day Camp: Water Day

They used this sling-shot to shoot water balloons at a target.
Joel and a camper; he was our little guy for the week. Cute kid!
Elisabeth with friends from camp & church.
Pastor Smith leading us in song. Grace is the one in the purple dress.
Our group: The Mighty Mighty Peanuts!

Joel, leading the kids in song! This is the Mighty Mighty Peanuts! We taught the 6 & 7 year old group. They are great kids, some are either from the two churches or the town.

This is Lucy (she is the second one) going down the slip & slide.

Now, it's Gracie's turn!

Bible Day Camp Day 4: Bobber Ball!

After two days of rain we struggled to keep the kids entertained at times. Today, thanks to Josh's Christmas gift, we played Bobber Ball! The kids loved it! Thanks, Josh!

Bible Day Camp, Day 1

Today I was desperately trying to keep a few of the kids busy while the rest of their group finished up a craft. I was trying to teach them a song with hand motions. They weren't interested. I told them I wanted to teach them this song so that tomorrow they could help me teach it to the others. "I want to teach you not to teach us any more songs," was the reply.
Suffer the little children, right?

Yummy! Homemade Black Raspberry Jam!

The 100th Post!

Look at those blue eyes . . . amazing! Check out Obie's haircut! Doesn't he look handsome?
The kids each received a popsicle, for reading a certain number of books, at the library. I had them eat them before I let anyone in the car.A profile of his haircut.
More fun at the Rec.

It makes sense to post ordinary happenings for our 100th post. Our days are filled with ordinary events; preparing and making meals, changing diapers, reading, laundry, walks, time with friends, gardening and ministering in a post-modern state, etc. As I write this, Joel is canning (black raspberry & rhubarb jam) and I am in the kitchen, at the island, posting stuff on the blog. Yup, just another ordinary day.

Just Reach Out and Pluck Something

Last week Grace and I took Obadiah down to a neighbor's place to glean some of their currants. That was unfun because the currants are tiny and the mosquitos were hungry and Obadiah was at his most counterproductive.

But on the way back Grace and I, without going to any effort, ate quite a few wild berries as they presented themselves. We ate red raspberries, black raspberries, some wild strawberries, and a handful of juneberries.

For much of the year our Vermont landscape is not only inedible, but actually hostile to human existence. But there are days in July when it seems like Vermont, if given enough of a running start, might leap the wall that keeps us out of Eden.

But even now, at it's most seductive, I recall that the green will fade. In a few short months it will all be frost-nipped and racing headlong into decay.

So, even as I enjoy the berries with my tan, short-sleeved daughter, I look forward with keener joy to the New Jerusalem.

Skipping Rocks

Joel teaches Obadiah how to skip stones . . . a Tate tradition.

More 4th of July Fun!

We attended Brandon's 4th of July parade. It was lots of small town fun.
Joel's dream is to raise goats so I took this picture for him.
The Chittenden Fire Department . . . Yeah!
Ed Elliott is driving this fire truck. We cheered for him.

Back at the lake . . . should we go in? Obadiah likes tractors so I took this pic for him . . . I love small town parades.
Elisabeth dressed for the occasion.
The Chittenden gang . . Elliotts and Tates.
This is a bull . . . without a doubt.

Father & son fixing the screen door.

Lake House Fun!

We came out to the Tate Lake House today for a visit and were joined by mice! We haven't seen any in the kitchen . . . yet, but have been invaded by them on the screen porch. Joel and I were sitting on the couch eating klondike bars and looking out at the water when Joel says, "There is a mouse . . . " That is all I needed to hear and I quickly jumped up and I was outta there! It turns out it was a momma carrying two baby mice on her tail and Joel and the girls chased them out. Later, I was sitting out there with the computer when I heard this pathetic squeak from underneath me. I then realized that there were probably more baby mice. I grabbed the computer, stood up and as I walked out a baby mouse came out from underneath the couch. I hear it was quite cute but I didn't stick around to verify that fact. Other then the mice, we are having a nice time.

This is for Uncle Josh . . .

Before Obie was born, Josh gave me a patch that he earned through a hunter's safety class. He thought it would look cute on a onesie. Well, I came across it recently and ironed it on a t-shirt for Obie. I like it! It says, " Hunter Education Graduate, Vermont Fish & Wildlife." It goes nicely with his camouflage shorts. Thanks Josh!