Our Halloween Adventure

Kim, Lyssah, and I made a trek to Hobb's Grove to go through the Haunted Forest. It was - as promised - an event rife with enclosed, claustrophobia-inducing passageways, hideous creatures jumping out to scare passersby, and screams ... at staggered intervals, signaling the terror of yet another group making their way through the ghoulish corridors. But, I am happy to report we made it out, vowing never to reutrn.

However, less than a week later Kim, Rosa and ... you guessed it - me - made our way back down Sanger-way to Hobb's Grove yet again.

This time, our plan was to go on the Haunted Hayride, which we had heard was scary, but not on par with the frightful forest. It seemed to be a safer option.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by a 8 or 9 foot tall Rat! A gynormous Rat would be a among my worst nightmares... it had glowing red eyes, stood upright and had a southern accent! I think he was sweet on Rosa.

You know, except for the rat and some really bucsome guy in a strapless dress and behive hairdo, the placed looked innocent enough and the proprietors seem to run a tight ship!
So we got in line and ultimately climbed into a trailer filled with soft hay, pulled by a tractor. This is not a scary sight in the central valley, right?

Kim and I huddled together for support as the tractor pulled away from the lighted festival like atmosphere, into the dark unknown. It should come as no surprise that even though it was slightly less terrifying than the Haunted Forest the Haunted Hayride was filled with...

hideous creatures jumping out to scare passersby and screams... more screams. We sat at the back - not a wise choice - as almost all of the creatures came up behind the trailer, reaching out at - you guessed it - me, as I was sitting with my back against the back rail. Nevertheless... we had a great time.

I can't say I'm a fan of scary stuff... but the hayride would be something I would consider doing again... as for the forest... let's just say, me and the haunted forest have come to an understanding. I won't go in the forest again, and the forest will keep that 9 foot rat at Hobb's Grove!

We had a wonderful time worshipping with Missy and Craig VanBerg. This video is from this morning's practice for the special that they shared with us. It was a beautiful song and I really enjoyed their rendition.

Good Times with the Egtwingersons

So we had quite a surprise on Sunday... who should show up at Lifebridge but Ashley Twing from Nashville, TN.  She arrived with her Memaw and Shine.  It was so great to attend church with them. Here are Ashley and Jared before service. Jared was getting ready for worship and Ashley was heading over to the coffee bar to get coffee.

Ev and Shine were kind enough to get close to create a photo op... they soooo knew they would end up on my blog!

After service we headed over to Sal's.... cuz Ashley can't get great Mexican or Chinese food in Nashville... go figure!

While we were there, this hombre serenaded Brooklin with "You are my Sunshine".  She didn't quite know what to make of it. 

Kristi, Ashley and Shine... full of chips and salsa - ay yay yay yay... weren't we all!

Little Miss Brooklin.. such a beautiful girl.  She was having a grand time from the minute she sat down at the table and began to draw a "big, green, eel" on the paper tablecloth.  Guess who ripped that picture right out of the table cloth??? ask Memaw LOL

Brooklin posing with her favorite brother, guitar playing in the background.

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 don't miss this video of Kameron's serenade, featuring La Bomba!

We love our friends and had a wonderful time with them... and the food wasn't too bad either!

Goodbye Small Group!

Well, its the end of the line for Small Groups.... at least until the fall.  Our small group had a wonderful time just hanging out, trying not to overeat.  Several women, who will remain nameless, snuck out to take a walk around the block because it was cooler outside than inside and because we needed to burn some dinner calories before dessert!

Doesn't that look yummy?  David looks like he's ready to dig in!

It looks like we had a hungry little princess too... right Brynn?

There's always time for hugs, right Mo'? Oh and did we plan to buy almost the same glasses?

Once dinner was over, we engaged in a round of Bocci Ball... never played it before, but I give it an 7 on a fun scale with 10 being the most fun ever.  I would definitely play it again.  

However, without naming names, let me just say there were some big time competitors out there!  'Nuf said!

Oh and John loves small group...and the Lakers... not necessarily in that order! LOL

Jenn and Eric enjoying the beautiful evening, unseasonably cool for Fresno in June.  

David and Lourdes all snuggled up like newly weds... could they get any cuter?

After worship practice Jared, Erin, Justin and Sholonda came over and joined in the fun.  

I have more pictures, but no more time.  More later!

Josh and Bethany's Wedding

Well the big event was last night.  Here are a few pics hot off the presses. Might I just say that Shine is looking so beautiful and GROWN UP!   Not to mention the fact that Lyssah and I agree these were the most attractive bridesmaid dresses EVER!  Bethany had bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes and the dress looked beautiful on every one of them.

Hugo!!!!!! get the rifle!!!!

Here is Shine and Ev... we had so much fun being at a table with Ev and Francis!  Ya'all know what a hoot they are...

Not to be left out... Kristi graced our table with a cameo appearance...

(I have another photo of Kristi, but she may not want me to share it here)

Ok, I was stunned by the cakes... yes cakeS... three cakes, not just three layers.. three flavors, Banana Pecan, Vanilla Bean and Red Velvet Cream Cheese.... what a selection, and the table was beautiful that the trio was displayed on.

Also at our table was Lyssah, Phil, Maggie and Alicia.  It was such a random, yet totally fun group!

And I should note, that Phil was looking mighty dapper in his new suit... very GQ, Phil!

Maggie and Alicia

And doesn't  Miss Jessica Gannaway look ravishing in her Saphire  Blue gown...

The Happy Couple

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Josh and Bethany Gannaway

oh and added bonus....

Can you guess the identity of this man?

It leaves one to wonder who is next....

Time will tell...

Praise and Worship Jam

Today, it was level setting day.  Jared was creating a template for the sound board settings.  One thing led to another and of course they couldn't resist a little jammin'.  Jared even took a turn at the drums.

LIFEBRIDGE - Annual Ladies Tea 2009

Well, I wanted to share that I attended my first ever, Ladies High Tea.  I was not sure what it was all about, but I was told it entailed outrageous hats, food, and a Round Robin tea cup exchange... oh, and some prizes.  I was told that some ladies go all out and dress up in formal or semi formal attire and that the Round Robin usually boasts some heated competition.  Well, the stories didn't quite do the event justice.  Here are a few impressions.

Cherisse went all out! Her daughter actually researched make up application during the "flapper" era (circa 1920-1930) to ensure the utmost authenticity.  She had quite a chappeau as well, compete with pheasant feathers... and let us not forget the white gloves. But, I am not sure the tat is authentic for the era, but none the less her half-sleeve in the making is beautiful artistry and I'm sort glad she sported it for everyone to see.

The tables all had flowers clipped from the hostess's rose garden. 

Here are a couple of other crazy hats

My Sissy came to the tea... thanks Kimmie for coming and for letting me take your picture.

Having you there made the day more special. love you!

Ok, so the Round Robin was more than just a friendly competition... for instance, this tea cup was packed in the cutest little hat box... and it was stolen until it was out of play. it was not the only popular item and poor Robyn (seen below) had to give up her tea cup about 8 times!  These gals are serious about their Round Robin.. it was brutal!  LOL

Robyn was a really good sport as she gave up darling tea cup after darling tea cup.

Another beautiful hat... Tiffani was also wearing a stunning navy blue taffeta tea length dress with a twirlly skirt (that's what I used to call a full skirt that would spread out if you twirled around)

Florentina, had a hat.... not sure where it went but she seemed to be having a great time.

Ellen, Pastor Kevin's wife, welcomed everyone and prayed over the food... I think she should have prayed over the Round Robin.. just kidding!

Erin, our Youth Director, made quite a stir in her lime green and white halter.  She had to give up her tea cup quite a few times too!  Here she is with Katie.

Young or old, it seems everyone had a great time.  I even won the "Best Hat" for my monstrous creation.  It just goes to show what $5 at Dollar Tree can do for you!