Fall Festival

My parents have been loyal members of the same church for over thirty years. Consequently, Courtney and I grew up with a rather large extended church family, who has supported us even as we’ve grown up and moved away. Long before the babies ever arrived, they prayed for our family, sewed a prayer blanket, donated secondhand baby necessities, and hosted diaper drives. In fact, they donated so many diapers that we bought very few in the babies’ first year. However, due to lock down and challenges of traveling, the babies just recently made their first appearance at this church for a special occasion: The Fall Festival.

The Fall Festival is the church’s sole fundraiser, which occurs each September. Since it was once coordinated by my father, it’s nostalgic for both Courtney and I. I fondly recall the days when our dance class provided entertainment, we collected game prizes, and I served pizza in the rain with mom. I’d say it’s the church version of the state fair complete with fairway games, a petting zoo, informational booths, fried food, an auction, and crafts for sale.

We were able to get one whole group shot of our family.

Surprisingly, I look forward to the Fall Festival especially because I know it’s the single best place to get made-to-order egg rolls, and they cost a buck! I’ve always secretly loved the rummage sale too. It’s one of the largest garage sales in the state, filling an entire basketball gym with a menagerie of stuff. Granted, the majority of the rummage sale is usually junk, treasure always lies beneath, and the hunt is exhilarating. This year, my shopping time was minimal, but I scored pajamas for each of the girls for just $.50! This year, the best part of the Fall Festival was fellowship with people we’ve known for years, yet haven’t seen in quite a while. Without a doubt there were no grandparents prouder than Grandpa and Nisey. They beamed each time they met a friend meeting the quads for the first time.