Lads to Leaders 2015

One of the many things that we love about our church is that they put a great amount of emphasis and time into training the kids at our church to become church leaders one day. The young men lead worship on Sunday/Wednesdays all the time. And, while Harrison isn't quite old enough to do this yet, I love knowing that in the next few years I will get to see him doing this! 

But, for Madeleine & Harrison they are able to participate in Lads to Leaders. This was our first year to participate and I'd heard a lot about it. Everyone kept telling me what a great thing it is for kids and how much they love going to convention. 

Well, I have to say that it far exceeded my already high expectations. Yes, they are in competition, but at the same time, everyone is rooting for everyone else. The kids work hard and prepare all year for this and they learn so much through it all. And it was so uplifting & encouraging for Matt & I to be with all these other parents from around the country that are trying to teach their kids and raise them as we are. 

Harrison was technically too young to compete this year, but he could still participate. This was a perfect learning year for him. The Sunday before LTLL, our church came together and gave the boys an opportunity to practice. Harrison did Bible Reading & Song Leading. Here he is leading a song at church for the first time. I may have teared up just a bit watching him. THIS is the most important training we will ever do -- teaching him to serve others and be a leader at church. 

 After church, the ladies had a tea so the girls could practice as well. Madeleine did Song Leading & Bible Reading as well.

Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes always takes place on Easter Weekend in Dallas (for us). We went down to Dallas a day early to have some fun as a family. We did some shopping and one of our first stops was Sam Moon. This girl had a ball! She loves her bling and there was so much to choose from!

 We also hit up the LEGO store for even more fun!

 We had lunch and rode the carousel at the mall -- always fun!

 Friday morning was spent practicing for Bible Reading which was that day. This is a non-competitive event, but they both did great! I went with Madeleine since only women are allowed in the room, and Matt went with Harrison. As soon as Madeleine was finished we rushed over to Harrison's, but he'd already gone.

 How handsome does he look in his suit!? This was his first time to dress up like this and *swoon* he is just such a cutie.

 Harrison with his certificate for Bible Reading.

 And, how I love these 3 boys! I am so so thankful that Harrison has these boys to grow up with, both at church and school!

Madeleine did puppets and their group did an amazing job! So cute! They ended up winning 2nd place.

 I have to say that the hotel was AMAZING! All of it was at the Gaylord Texan and it was especially fun to stay in a hotel with all of our church family. The kids were able to swim at night and I loved seeing a pool full of church kids of all ages playing together. I love that the teens know my kids and play with them. Of course, we had to take a few pics with it being so pretty. :)

My girls. Madeleine looks so grow up with her hair all straightened!

 That night was the first part of the awards. Madeleine won 3rd place for her artwork and was recognized for Know the Books.

 Saturday was just as busy. Harrison did song leading and did such a good job!

 These two. I love these sweet sisters.

 Madeleine did Bible Bowl and her team was a finalist and got an award.

 We were all so tired by the time we finished up late on Saturday night. But, it was so worth all the crazy scheduling and running from event to event. The kids can't wait to go back next year! And, this time around we have a much better idea of how to prepare and what we want them to participate in.

We ended up getting up early Sunday morning and heading home. Harrison was so worried that the Easter Bunny wouldn't come because we weren't home. He even made me promise to buy him a gift if they Easter Bunny forgot us. Thankfully, he remembered. ;)

Madeleine's basket.

 Harrison's basket.

 Charlotte's basket.

I even cooked Easter dinner -- Ham, Hashbrown Casserole, Greenbean Bundles, and Strawberry Salad.

It was an Easter different from any we've ever had before, but it was amazing. I think this is one of the best things our kids will ever be a part of -- they are learning all about the Bible and how to be leaders in God's Church. And, if it means that our Easter is spent traveling, then it's just worth the sacrifice.