VBS: In The Deep

Last week, we went Deep in to VBS. Not so fun fact- my kids have never been to Vacation Bible School. Every time when they were little, VBS would fall on a date that we were on vacation visiting family so they were never able to go. 

This year, Gretchen asked if she could volunteer and I said, "of course!" and then she said "let's lead a group together" and I low key freaked out and then said "sure." We came home exhausted every single night but leading a group really was a lot of fun. 

Our church went really overboard ;) with the decorations. How fun is this gigantic shark mouth! 

The sanctuary was filled with floating fish, a gigantic octopus, sting rays, and orca's. There was a pupppet show each night along with songs, and then we headed to Bible Bay to learn a Bible story, snack time (goldfish of course), Creature Feature to learn more about ocean animals, the Bible, and have a science experiment, followed by games. 

The games were wet and wild; always so fun. 

Gretchen was able to spray all the kids with a water gun. 

We had Adalyn in our group, which I'm pretty sure was a happy coincidence, but it was so fun to see these two worship together all week. 

We played Tug of War.

I'm so glad this girl talked me in to leading a group. We've been at our church for 3 years, and over the last year, I've been working on becoming more involved so I could meet new people. It's hard when you move like we have and constantly feel like you're starting over, but it's definitely time that I put myself out there more and at least get to know some faces!

There was a wet hacky sack toss. 

Adalyn really got in to that game! 

Little photo ops......

and a gorgeous sunset one evening. 

Bible Bay introduced us to one sea creature who told us Bible stories. We learned about Jonah and the Red Sea and a few more. 

We used highlighters in water to imitate a fish that lights up. 

And I survived another night thanks to this girl.

We had 14 in our group the first two nights, and then 9 the last two nights. After the first day, I went and bought everyone lei's so they would be easier to keep up with. 

Megan missed night 2 of VBS thanks to an ear infection. She was suppose to have gymnastics that night as well, but ended up missing it too. So by day 3 I was like "I have to get a picture of you or no one will think that you came!"

Adalyn was a great little helper for our group!

We had a relay race at creature feature. 

And then we spotted this girl at the games station! Next year, she'll be able to help out and she's super excited about that! 

#sisters

Our last night, we played Red Light Green Light with Water guns which was a blast. Can you spot Adalyn trying to sneak past?

I let Gretchen take over shooting the kids with water guns. 

And we ended our week with water slides and bounce houses.

Our 1st VBS was a great experience! The girls had a blast and we can't wait until next year! 

 

Memorial Weekend Camping Trip: Day 3

Our last day at the beach over Memorial day weekend, and we opted to make the drive in to Houston to head to NASA!

If you missed my other recaps click here:

Day 1

Day 2

We started our morning off with pancakes and then we all got dressed to head to the space center. Megan really wanted to french braid someone's hair, and Gretchen let her. 

How precious is this moment?

We arrived at NASA not knowing what to expect; we realized that buying a season family membership would be a better option for us, since we have a family of 5 and the package we chose allowed for 2 additional guests, meaning we only needed to buy 1 additional child ticket to get the 8 of us in. (We were camping with my brother and his family.) 

After buying our seasonal pass, we headed inside. 

When you visit NASA in Houston, you are in a large building with different displays, a food court, a shop, a movie, and interactive displays. You can also go outside to tour a spaceship and plane. 

Discovering Mars. 

Touching a piece of Mars. 

Exploring the Moon

Touching a piece of the moon. 

Megan is our space loving girl! She's terrified of flying but she use to tell us that she wanted to work for NASA. 

Okay, here's where we went wrong (because we didn't know). We enjoyed the movie and all of the interactive areas as well as exploring the space ship. But, NASA has a tram wtih 3 different tours and we didn't realize we needed to sign up for those to see more. By the time we explored everything inside, and we were like, "hey, let's look at a tram ride to see more" everything was booked until 4:30, and it was only noon. So, we decided since we had a season pass, we would just have to go back and hit up the tram tour next time! 

We found the yummiest BBQ place nearby for lunch, after we tried astronaut ice cream ;) 

These girls bought matching shirts as souveniers. 

And then we headed back to the beach! 

The girls played. I read a book. Everyone else stayed at the campground, it was fabulous. 

Gretchen enjoyed reading her book. 

The girls made a little sand castle before we headed back for dinner. 

Our time away was the perfect kick off for summer! We had a relaxing time and we were happy to get out and explore NASA. I'm hoping we can take the girls back once more later this Summer, or maybe we can drive over one day this Fall when they're out of school. Thankfully, we have an entire year to enjoy the pass and we can even bring a few friends with us! 

We stayed just west of Galveston (across the toll bridge) and I much preferred the location over being in Galveston. It was Memorial Day weekend and the beaches were crowded, but we didn't feel that crowded with being over the bridge. 

We loved being able to camp with my brother and his family. The girls loved playing with their cousin; it's always a wonderful time and it makes me wish we lived closer. 

We only have 1 more camping trip planned for the Summer, but I'm still hopeful we can squeeze in at least one more somewhere! 

 

Summer Bucket List

When the girls were little we use to create a Summer Bucket List- things we defitely wanted to squeeze in and make time for so we could make the best of our summer! We have no big trips planned this year, the girls are older, but gosh, I still want to make the most out of our Summer even though both DJ and I are working, Megan's in gymnastics 20 hours a week and we are busy, but we still need to make time for some family fun! 

Here's our 2022 Summer Bucket List! 

1. Head to The Oasis on Lake Travis for dinner

2. Pool Time

3.  Eat Grilled Pineapple

4. Eat a Fresh/Whole Watermelon

5. Head out for a Hike

5. Hit up a Water Park

6. Go to a Museum

7. Have fun at an Arcade

8. Family Bike Ride

9. Go Bowling

10. Hit up a Trampoline Park

11. Ice Cream for Dinner

12. Head out on the Paddle Board

13. Watch the Bats from the Congress Bridge

14. Clean up Litter

15. Go Roller Skating

16. Soccer Camp

17. Thow a Backyard BBQ

18. Shoot Fireworks

19. Have Lots of Sleepovers. 

20. Family Movie Marathon

What's on your Summer Bucket List? I'd love to gather up a few more ideas! 

 

Summer of Fun with 512 Bounce & Minute Maid

Friday night we were surprised with the opportunity to partner with 512 Bounce and Minute Maid for a day of fun! I found out late Friday night that we had won a giveaway, and I opted to not tell the girls so we could surprise them! We invited some friends over and had the best day playing on the inflatable water slide and trying out Minute Maid's new drink, Aguas Fresca. 

The company brought over the cutest VW van, and a little set up with an umbrella, chairs, plants, and more. 

The girls were thrilled with the water slide surprise! They were literally on it from 11-3, and Adalyn was even complaining that she was sore the next day! 

A little break from the water slide, to try out the new drink! Agua Fresca is a refreshing water drink with natural flavors that is definitely yummy! I can typically taste sugary drinks, and this definitely didn't feel like it was loaded down. (but it did have 21 g. of sugar.)

There are 3 flavors available: Hibiscus, Mango, and Strawberry. The mango was my least favorite, but they were all good, and friends, if you drink Rum or Vodka- these would be a great pairing ;) just saying. 

We had the best day! Good fun, good neighbors, good drinks, and lots and lots of water slide fun!

If you're local, check out 512 Bounce! They were absolutely amazing to work with, so kind, and flexible!