"Here Am I" was the theme of LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) this year. It was the 20th year of the convention that challenges students in grades 3-12 to really use their gifts to glorify God and learn to become better leaders for him. LTC has had such a positive impact on my family. . . we got involved in LTC in 1991 and since then, at least one of us, if not all of us have attended the convention in Dallas each year. (I think I have only missed 2 years. I have been a participant, a judge, and a church coordinator during that time.) This year my littlest brother and sister (the cute kids above) were involved in: drama, puppets, speech, Bible reading, song leading, small chorus, medium chorus, plus a number of other preconvention events. I was so proud of them! Their quartet was absolutely AWESOME! (Way to go Sarah, Caleb, Amy Beth and Carson!)
Caleb played the evil wizard in their drama. . . what a flair for the dramatic. (And we just thought Sarah was the drama queen... well, in real life she is.)
Sarah was a forest fairy with attitude. . . funny scene about "shrubbery" (referencing "Quest for the Holy Grail). . .
Sarah gave an outstanding speech. . .
Caleb is a wonderful song leader. He leads at their home congregation regularly and is asked to lead at a neighboring church once a month. What a talent for music! (This is where I would brag on his all-state band and choir accomplishments as well, but I'll refrain.)
Karsyn is serious. . . She did so good during the event sessions (well, most of them anyway).
Starbucks, Mt. Dew, and various other snacks get us thru the day and Karsyn has her first sample of Twizzlers. . . I think she likes it!
Caleb and Sarah are so silly. . . can you feel the love?
Karsyn would much rather push her stroller than ride in it these days. . .
It was a great convention this year and I felt blessed once again. I was counting forward and realized that Sarah's senior year (last year as a participant) will also be Seth's first year as a participant. . . seems the Blakeney's will not have a gap in our LTC involvement going forward either. Praise God for providing a way for us to intentionally teach our children ways to be leaders for Christ in this world.
Preparing to dye eggs. . . aprons on. . . We used a new marbled egg dying kit this year that was kind of fun.
Karsyn with her favorite baby. . . she carries this baby around most of the day. . .
The hunt begins and Karsyn is quick to see the fun in picking up colorful hidden eggs with treats inside. . .
Tess was so sweet and would run all the way across the yard to pick up an egg, passing at least two or three on her journey. Then she would turn around and see an egg where she just came from and would run in her cute, bouncy, tippy-toe way past the same eggs she just passed to get that one egg far away.
It was no contest for Seth and at one point during the hunt he was found emptying his basket full of eggs into Tess' basket, "because she was needing some help," he said. Even though he shared many eggs with the girls, he still managed to round up two baskets full of eggs. I don't think he was even concerned about the treats. . . just the excitement of the hunt. I have a feeling we will be "pretend hunting" again soon. Although, when cracking eggs open, he found money this year and he managed to rake in over $5 of fun!
More pics of Baby K. . . I just couldn't help myself. . .
This year we talked quite a bit with Seth about the meaning of Easter. . . steering the focus to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We also talked about the importance of our christian family and how fellowshipping, supporting, and encouraging one another is such a blessing. The Easter bunny and hunting eggs are just a fun part of the weekend, not our focus. We pray that you were blessed during this time of remembering our Lord and Savior. Praise God! He is Risen!
At the end of spring break we decided to make a day trip to the San Antonio zoo, but unfortunately, so did everyone else in the area! Traffic getting to the zoo was CRAZY so we went down to the river walk for lunch instead (so sad for me *wink* - Did you know that I just love the river walk?) It was the weekend before St. Patty's Day so the river was looking extra green (if only that was the real reason - lol) and people were wearing funny green hats and jewelry. The bagpipes that are always playing on the corner of Commerce and Alamo seemed even louder than usual, adding to the festive mood.
When in San Antonio, one must eat Mexican food, so we found a place that had river side seats, a Mariachis band, and took it easy in the shade. Seth loved listening to the music and watching the river cruise boats float by... K was not so sure about it all and just stared at everything.
We finally made it to the zoo in the late afternoon, which actually ended up being perfect... not as hot or busy. We had a great time taking in all the animals, which were so glad for the sun after a long week of rain. Seth loved posing for pictures so I had to work to catch him not looking at the camera for a change. Here is our little man...
More favs. . . Ostrich and egg, Alligator, Elephant, and Bald Eagle. . .
We always take pictures either coming or going from the zoo on their big lions at the entrance. This time I only took one picture. . . you can see why. . . 
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