Monday, July 5, 2010

Fourth of July 2010

Stefani's parents were able to come up for the weekend. We ended up putting them to work. Their first task on Friday night was helping us install a window air conditioning unit in our bedroom. We have high, sliding windows that made the installation a challenge.  Between Joshua's grand plan and Stefani's parents' muscles and Stefani's ability to buy Dairy Queen the project was a success. 

Saturday we attend two craft fairs. The one in town was small, but had some great items. There was a furniture maker that will soon get some business from the Ketelsens and Marrahs. We fell in love with his projects. The second craft show we attended was the Dancing Hippo. Joshua and I decided this show is a new tradition. They had some creative and high quality vendors. Here are some pictures of our purchases...

The tote bag purchased at the craft fair in Onaway.

The puzzle nativity Stefani's parents bought us. 

A cross made from a Petoskey stone that Joshua will use as a pectoral cross. 

A handmade purse for Stefani. Is anyone really surprised she couldn't resist a purse?

The rest of Saturday was spent at a BBQ at the house of one our members. Then we roped Stefani's parents into helping copy and fold pamphlets that were handed out at the parade. 

Sunday was our first Onaway Fourth of July experience. We started with church at 9am instead of 10am to accommodate those involved and attending the parade. The parade began at 12:30pm. We all walked with the float. The kids tossed candy, Joshua passed out pamphlets, and the rest of us waved. 

The float right after it was completed. We decided to advertise our VBS.

After the parade we cooled off and rested. Once we were refreshed, Stefani and her parents went searching for the grand Moran Iron Works sculpture that was unveiled at the parade. We missed it, because we were in the parade. We couldn't find it anywhere in town. We asked around and found out it was a robot/transformer. Later that night, a parade attender posted a picture of the sculpture. 

Here it is....Hopefully, it will be displayed somewhere in town and we can get a closer look. 

The night ended with the traditional fireworks display. The weekend was so much fun! We are very happy that Stefani's parents were able to share our first Onaway Fourth of July.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

 

Big Ticket 2010

This weekend we took seven youth to the Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord, MI. This a three day Christian music festival. We heard some great artists like Family Force 5, The Newsboys, and Casting Crowns. We heard some awesome speakers which sparked some great discussion.  

The view from the house we stayed at. There are a few of the kids getting ready to canoe. 

The main stage and the backs of our kids' heads. 

Family Force 5 performing their encore. They had these backpacks with balloons attached by a pole. It was pretty cool. They are a very fun band.

The motto of Big Ticket is "Live God Loud". Something to think about....

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani