Project 365, Week 31

We had such a fun, adventurous week (that I have many photos from ;)!

July 30

Bright and early Sunday morning, three cars left for Columbus, Ohio where the National Fine Arts and Youth Convention was being held. Back in February when the kids qualified at Districts, we planned to go as a family. But when it got close, we had an apartment become vacant and, after 10 years of being occupied, it needed work. Amanda wanted to work alongside her dad and learn some renovation skills, so the two of them stayed and Avery, Aiden and I went, joining Amy, Rocco and Trevor and others from our church.

While we traveled, Amanda was recognized in service as a Participating Member. She went through an in-depth study of what our church believes and why. Super proud of her for taking this step.

It was Jason Aldeen concert night, Take II. He started the show from scratch and apologized profusely for having to end the last concert abruptly because of heat stroke.

Back in Ohio, we unloaded three cars, checked into the hotel and ate at the tavern next door.

July 31

The next morning I slipped out early with my camera and in search of coffee. The streets were quiet and the light was stunning. I was unexpectedly amazed by Columbus. There was very little homelessness, the store front were occupied and open for business, it was clean with plants and flowers in abundance. 

Since there were no convention activities until the evening, the youth pastors decided on the zoo for the day. The weather was comfortable enough to walk in and the zoo had a nice, easy-to-follow flow. 

Pop and Kiki were in the area, both to visit friends and support the Fine Arts crew. Dad joined up for the zoo day, which was fun.

Each night there was a service with music and a speaker. It was quite something to be in an arena full of teens worshipping Jesus. What we read in the news headlines is not the full story of this generation.

August 1

This was competition day for many. The day stayed pretty full going from one event to another and it was a really special time of the kids watching and supporting each other.

Aiden is ALL about Arnold, so we were both delighted to come across his statue outside the convention center.

August 2

Day Two of competition.

By the afternoon our group was done so we had the afternoon free. Some of the adults took the kids swimming and Amy and I found a quiet place in the sun.

Family.  💙

August 3

My dad was heading back home so he could preach a funeral, but Kiki stayed to support her friend through a rough transition. After going through many different scenarios, Avery and I ended up hitching a ride with Dad instead of staying in Ohio until the very end with not much happening. We made for three very easy travelers!

August 4

My flowers missed me. :(

Amanda was able to move things around at work so she can have Fridays off and will be able to sing more. I love seeing her use her gifts and I'm so thankful for this group they have.

August 5

I checked in on the reno progress. It actually doesn't happen quite as quickly as they make it look on TV.

August 6

A friend was having a big birthday and invited people to the beach house they were renting for the week. It was the sweetest area with houses just like this one in abundance, right on the water.