The Sunday School Singers

Alternate Title: The Vanneste Family Singers
Back Up Alternate Title: The Day Everyone at Church Wanted to Adopt Our Kids

We were extra excited that Gma and Gpa were here last weekend - because the Sunday School Singers were performing during the service at church. Fun fact: the Sunday School Singers has three members. All three have the last name of Vanneste.

But you guys, we have come soooooooooo far! Not only could you hear all three of them, Fiona sang some harmony. And they just simply did the best job. It was so fun to see their personalities shine up there. Dec was not the slightest bit nervous and sang with all the gusto he possesses. Quinn was very precise and deliberate in her performance. And Fiona was nervous, and yet did an amazing job. It didn't hurt that after the service, pretty much everyone at church stopped by to tell them what a great job they did.

I must have been feeling really proud - or succumbed to Grandpa's influence - because I let them each eat a whole doughnut after the service was over!

The B-I-B-L-E

On Sunday, the girls received their very own bibles during the service at church. We knew that was part of the service - but what we did not know was that the Sunday School classes would also be singing. This sounds cute enough ... but I must remind you that the Sunday School population is made up solely of Vannestes. You may also remember mute singing experience 1 or mute singing experience 2 ... so I was completely shocked and proud when not only did they do it. YOU COULD HEAR THEM! Little brother got in on the action too, and was very proud of his sisters getting their bibles.

Pastor wrote their full names in their bibles and made them each a couple special bookmarks. The girls were a bit shocked at how heavy the books were - but are very excited about them. They will be using them every week in Sunday School and are anxious to explore the stories. They have looked through my old bibles, but it is so special to have your own!

We got to church on time (and in coordinating outfits). And because they did so well singing, I let everyone eat a whole donut in fellowship hall after church. It was truly a morning full of miracles.

Baby Beau is Baptized

While we were up north, I had the epic honor of sharing godmother status with my sister as sweet baby Beau was baptized. The whole family met at church and filled up three plus rows (and then a vast majority of the population retreated to the nursery after the children's sermon). Beau is my first official godchild (I claim Ben through Mike), which meant so much to me. I'm very grateful to Liv and Jesse for allowing me to share a little bit of sweet Beau!

The children's sermon attendees was compromised solely of Vannestes, Downeys, and Franciscos and the various personalities were on full display. We were all cracking up in the pews. Then after the service, we partied at Liv's house and the little boy cousins transitioned into superheroes. The girls are so very outnumbered and really do a great job of both playing with - and wrangling - that gang of boys.

There is way more time between visits than we would like, but those cousins just jump right in without hesitation. Their love for each other melts my heart and I hope they always remain that close. It does help that when we do go up, it is a full court press of togetherness! Four straight days of cousin time and my kids are still going through withdrawal!

Fiona's Singing Debut

On Sunday, the Sunday school kids at our church were going to sing during the service. Which sounds all cute and stuff. Until you learn that there are three kids in Sunday school. Total. Needless to say, Fiona was a little nervous. And by a little, I mean losing sleep over this.

We went to the practice on Saturday morning where she stood at the front of the church, stoic, holding the microphone, looking like she wanted to cry. For the rest of Saturday, we alternated between not mentioning it and propping up her confidence. Ultimately we told her that if she didn't sing that she should at least smile. 

I was worried for a moment when it was time for her to go up. She looked terrified, but set her chin and walked up to get her microphone. She didn't sing, but she did smile and sway a little. We were very proud of her. And now that she's done it once, she says she'll consider actually singing next time. She's not willing to completely commit to that yet though!