Schleiquist Talent Show

 At the end of the summer, we were thrilled to participate in the 2nd Annual Schleicher/Walquist Family (aka Schleiquist) Talent Show. Each family member, old and young, performed an act of talent for the group. It was great fun seeing all the variety of acts presented. We sure have a creative family!

Uncle Matt was the emcee for the event, introducing the acts from the actual program that Uncle Jon had created. Uncle Jon also served as the DJ, playing short clips of songs that related to each individual's talent. It was quite funny hearing the musical selections Jon came up with.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening watching the following acts:

balloon animal creations by Aunt Kim

somersaults by Ben

paper purse-making by Abby

book title recitations (30 books!) by Adley

The Chicken Dance by Papa and Grammy

followed up by a piano duet (considering he doesn't claim to be musical at all, Papa was quite proud, as you can see in the photos!)

Cody and Jaden singing Christian songs they had written

Ian, back for the 2nd year with advanced rope tricks

mirror-writing by Uncle Andrew

marriage mental telepathy by Jason and me

musical selections on piano and guitar by Grandpa and Grandma

Nathan, demonstrating his basketball skills

tennis skills by Uncle Jon

swingset acrobatics by Ryan

scooter racing by Isaiah

tennis swings by Noah

fire hydrant shooting by Uncle Matt

Not pictured are Aunt Sarah who showed us a pretty amazing trick with how wide she can open her mouth and Aunt Chelsea who sang a little song with Micah.

Here are the videos of our kiddos' performances:

What a memorable family time! We are already looking forward to next year's event! 

Cousin VBS

 My kids got a double dose of Vacation Bible School this summer! My sister's church was providing "VBS in a Box," so she decided to assemble all the cousins to do this VBS together. We met on four different days over two weeks. The kids, of course, loved the chance to be together. Each time we met, we let them play for a while, and then we gathered to begin the VBS activities.

DAY 1

We kicked off with an introductory video and a series of songs.

The favorite song of the week was a silly song done each year at our cousins' church-- "Say Yes to VBS."

Then we divided into two groups. Half of the kids went outside to collect shells. The bigger kids were given the extra challenge of walking like a crab to gather their shells.

Some of the shells contained secret words that the kids had to put in order to determine the main theme of the day.

The task of the second group inside was to pick up items stuck in a tray of jello. The kids used either tongs or their bare feet!!

Then, we gathered together again to watch a video skit based on the week's theme.

Next was snacktime...

...and a fishy bead craft.

The kids also created an octopus by writing down on a purple "tentacle" the names of people who teach them about Jesus.

We ended the morning with a fun water balloon game.

And finally, because water balloons are just too much fun, we let the kiddos have a water balloon fight.

DAY 2

Aunt Sarah hosted us for our second VBS day. We started again with the video and songs.

Aunt Kim gave an introduction about our Bible lesson...

...and then the kids ran outside to find some hidden objects.

We figured out the daily theme...

...and played some group games.

Because the weekly theme was all about deep sea adventures (and growing deeper with God), the kids made an under-the-sea craft. The craft even included photos of themselves as deep sea divers. So fun!

DAY 3

Our third gathering was at our home. We did our typical video/song beginning...

...and then got everyone's energy out with an outdoor game.

Back inside, the kids paired up to complete a short treasure hunt throughout the house.

Then, we did a little paper cross object lesson...

...and ended with a craft involving paint and sea creature stickers.

DAY 4

Aunt Chelsea led us in our final day of VBS activities. The kids were all pretty used to the routine by now. :)

Aunt Chelsea had the kids act out the story of Jonah and big fish.

This crew loved being mean Ninevites for the story.

Other activities we did were this fun pool noodle jumping game...

...and making an origami fish.

Cousin VBS-at-home was a hit!