Circus

For the past several years, Grandma and Grandpa have given us circus tickets for Christmas.  I was beginning to wonder if this might be our last year--if maybe it was becoming old news for the kids.  I am happy to report that the kids enjoyed it as much as ever this year.  In fact, Jeremiah enjoyed it more than ever before.

There is an hour-long pre-show where you can go down on the circus floor and watch some of the performers up close.  We decided to watch the pre-show from our seats this year.  We could see more of what was going on that way.  Once you're on the floor, you tend to get stuck in the crowds and can't see as much.



This was still during the pre-show.  Jeremiah got much more animated after this:

Big opening musical number:

If you ask Jeremiah about the circus, the first thing he'll tell you about is the elephants.

He also really enjoyed the tigers.

All three boys laughed out loud during the clowns' routines.  Jeremiah was shrieking with laughter during a particularly slapstick portion.  It was also interesting to see his understanding of the whole thing.  At the end of a lengthy tightrope performance, he said, "Nobody falled off!"--evidence that he understood the physics and gravity of the whole situation.

Based on the enjoyment of this year's circus, I'd say we'll be asking for tickets again next year.  Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa

Joshua's Baptism

Joshua got baptized yesterday to show everyone that he has trusted Jesus to be his Savior.

Our church has a special afternoon baptism service for kids so they can make it a bigger celebration than is possible during the regular church service.  Each child had a video-taped interview telling how they came to accept Jesus.  Then they were baptized.  Afterward there was a cupcake reception for the kids and all their guests.

(By the way--it took place in the auditorium of our children's ministry area, which is decorated to look like a garage--hence the hubcap on the wall.)

Pastor Rob (children's pastor) talking about interviewing Joshua, and how he had to wait for Joshua to get his deep thoughts out:

Joshua watching himself on the big screen, getting ready to hold his nose:

Going down--picturing Jesus' burial:

 and back up again--picturing Christ's resurrection:

They must have had Joshua in mind as they planned the reception menu, because in addition to cupcakes there was cheese:

 I should have gotten a group shot of everyone who came to celebrate with Joshua, but I didn't.

Mom and her boys:

Grandma and Grandpa:

Meredith:

Mr. Allan (Andy was there, too):

We are very thankful for God's work in Joshua's life!

Guy Time at the Zoo

Last weekend I went to visit my parents in (COLD) Missouri.  Meanwhile, it was 70 degrees in South Carolina, so Daddy took the boys to the zoo on Sunday afternoon.

The boys are asleep and Tony is out running as I type, so I have no narration for these pictures.

 (I'm guessing Jeremiah is roaring like a lion.)