365Project.2014 | Week 38

We can breathe again. :) 

Although we read the schedule, requirements, etc. ahead of time, we definitely did not fully realize how all-consuming the play would become when we signed the kids up. We're really glad we did--it was a great experience for them. Just mildly exhausting for all involved ... including the parents. ;)

Day 260. It was super encouraging to see some pictures taken at rehearsals and see how they were helping the kids learn various aspects of staging, etc. The director and all of the teachers really did a great job! It was obvious that they enjoyed their roles and working with the kids. 

Boys were definitely in the minority, but they seemed to do a great job of channeling one particular seven-year-old's energy! :)

Day 261. Welcoming the season with my morning cuppa! :) Blessed to be able to decorate for fall with items made with my mom last year. ♥

Day 262. Ahoy, Matey! :)

While the big kids were at rehearsal, Mommy, Matthew, and Abby celebrated "Talk Like a Pirate" Day at Krispy Kreme. Mommy even dressed like a pirate so that we could get a second box ...

 To take to Daddy at work! :)

And then it was show time! The excitement of Opening Night was palpable and all of the kids did a fantastic job!! Here's some of the pictures staged after the performance ...

"Canons Ten Feet Long!!"

 ♥

When family is 700+ miles distant, words really cannot express how much of a blessing it was to be joined by our church family and friends. So thankful for these dear friends (and the others who didn't make the picture, including Hannah's piano teacher!) ♥

We love our Pastor and his wife!! ♥

Day 263. The fun wasn't over yet! Another performance Saturday afternoon. Abby helped Mommy make Aunt Judy's Apple Cake for a special celebration dinner while the kids were at their final rehearsal. :)

And this time, Daddy watched Abby and Matthew while Miss Beth joined Mommy to watch the performance. (She watched Abby the evening before.)

Mommy and Miss Beth had lots of fun. :)

Peter definitely proved himself the trooper as he was obviously fighting a virus by Saturday afternoon. A thermometer when we got home confirmed the glassy eyes of a 102+ fever. Definitely thankful that he was able to make it through and that he was feeling well for Friday evening's performance. 

We were particularly blessed to get to know Miss Jenn throughout the week. :)

Daddy and Matthew worked on building a stone wall to edge the new driveway Saturday afternoon. :)

Peter supervised after some rest. ;)

Day 264. And he really rested Sunday morning ...

Since Abby was home with Mommy and Peter (and thus not juggling her feeding schedule on the trip home from church), Daddy took Matthew's favorite detour to visit the radio towers. :) (Hannah spent the afternoon at her friend's house.)

As part of our quiet evening activities, Abby took a bath ... 

 And Peter worked on making a necklace as a gift for someone special. :)

And now we settle back into a more normal pace. :)
It's amazing how slow 75 mph feels
when you've been going 120! ;)