Yes, we are crazy. Yes, we took the RV to New York. And, not just anyplace in NY. The Bronx. Yes, we are crazy. After much debate and calculating pricing, we figured we would save the ministry close to $1000 by NOT FLYING to NY (yes, this is true even with the high gas costs of the RV). So we made arrangements, and took the whole family to NY. Fortunately, Joel and Ryan had just taken the RV to New York a few weeks ago and we learned from their experience;) Our RV experience in the Bronx involved a few new 'rules' 1. bring LOTS of cash for tolls. (RV tolls are higher and NY tolls in general are outrageous. 2. don't spend the night in the Bronx. (even if the pictures online look perfectly safe!) 3. call the school and make them arrange a parking spot for the RV. and finally, 4. While large husband is absent, speaking in the Bronx HS and pregnant wife with 3 small children are stuck in RV, keep RV doors locked and window shades pulled. Do not open door for anyone unless its a police officer who shows a badge.
Whew. We survived. Joel had 2 days of speaking and we planned to visit a friend on the way there. Our trip was a blast and our visit with longtime friend, Sue, made it even better.
We stopped at a campground on the way there. It was absolutely gorgeous!
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We also visited Hershey Park briefly....
VBS
This year was Joel's 2nd year of VBS at our church. Northwest Bible really does it up for VBS. Its incredible. There are so many hours, volunteers, dollars, donated items, and prayers put into the week and it really shows. The kids just LOVE this week! Like ALL of them, not just mine. This year my volunteer role was different and it allowed me to see a different perspective of VBS. I came away with a true appreciation for our church and specifically how much NW Bible loves kids and celebrates the joy of children!!
Judah was very excited to be given a VBS shirt this year even though he's not officially part of VBS. Luther got an impostor shirt.
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Camp Marengo
After a church speaking engagement, we stayed at a nearby camp in Ohio, Camp Marengo. It was a bit hot and humid but one of the highlights was that Joel learned to ride a bike!!!
Here's a video of it.
In the RV, there's a lot of video and 'electronics' time. Especially on rainy days or days where Joel speaks. Here's a pic of the boys watching an Elmo video in the upper bunk together.
Of course we do try to get some reading time in as well...
