Summer, Music, Arts, and Friends

We had some exciting plans for some fun travel over the summer, but before we got on any plane there were a few tried and true activities to complete. When you have neighbors like the Chrismans you get to benefit from their hard work. This year's strawberry crop was extremely tasty, especially since they were out of town and we had to make sure the strawberries didn't go to waste.

We also arranged to kick off summer well with the Abrahams and some back porch time. They are always busy over the summer, therefore we have to cram in the quality time before we all go our separate ways.

For the fourth year the end of May and beginning of June has also meant soccer tryouts. Last year's season for Callie was a driving force as she headed into this year's tryouts. Her hard work paid off when she made the Blue team for her age group. She was over the moon and couldn't wait for practice to start. Reese's tryouts were a couple of days earlier, and this would be the first year that her age group would be divided into teams. She was very excited to learn that she made the White team. But more importantly, the nine other girls selected for the team were friendships she had developed over the past year in the academy.

Reese also had the opportunity to participate in the Lil' Generals soccer camp run by the Lafayette HS Girls' Soccer team. It doesn't get any better than a soccer camp where two of the girls running the camp are Ella and Claire Abraham.

This picture captures something of a summer miracle, where the Abrahams, Bowes, and Johnsons are all at church and all the kids are dressed to impress. We obviously write a lot about these two particular families, but we never get tired of talking about how much their friendship means to us.

Summer also meant a couple more lazy mornings, which is a nice change from the rat race of the school year. Fortunately Callie and Reese can find fun and laughter in most situations. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, but we are pretty fortunate to have these two girls.

This year marked Callie's last year as a participant in Music and Arts Camp. Next year she will be old enough to be a counselor. The play was a return to the story of Noah and the show was titled, 100% Chance of Rain. Year after year we are always impressed by the show the kids put on under the guidance of the FPC staff and volunteers. This year was no different.

The set captured the spirit of the musical and the performance of the 60-70 kids kept the crowd of proud parents engaged. Reese, Callie, and their friends had been singing all week in preparation and put on a great show.

And for the third year in a row Libby Gipe spent the week with Birdy and Pop so she could participate as well. Lucy didn't come this year, and her presence was missed. The girls absolutely loved the time they got with Libby, and they filled every morning with activities to make the most of her being around. We kicked off Summer 2019 right.