It was HOT!  So hot that our faithful Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department was at the ready...

 

Kaden at bat....

 

Kelsey played herself into a sweat!  Nothing a snowcone can't fix....

 

But despite the heat, young and old alike turned out for our biggest shindig crowd ever!  Our best guess is around 300 folks...a big crowd for our tiny town!

 

My son Kristoffer, with our tech expert Warren, did a great job as MC!

 

Kim led the grill brigade, feeding the crowd with burgers and hot dogs.

 

Rosie and Peg trying to keep up with the hungry crowd....

 

Little Audrey and her big sister Eve...my nursery buddies....

 

Hey Alex!

 

Our youth pastor Bryan (standing left) with a  table full of his teenage cronies....

 

Face-painting (this is Mia) sure has gotten a lot snazzier since we painted simple hearts back in the day....

 

Marli, her sister Willow, and Grace....beautiful little girls!

 

And the balloon man was a huge hit too!

 

Brother Alex and Drew (on the ends) with my grandchildren Kaden and Kelsey, sporting their balloon headpieces....

 

At first, we were all very grateful for the clouds and breeze that suddenly moved in and cooled us off.

But that dark cloud very quickly had lots of company....

 

...and within just a few seconds torrents of rain chased everyone inside and strong winds flipped over the inflatables!

Thankfully no one was injured, but there were a few scary moments as adults who haven't run for awhile sprinted that direction to make sure no children were inside.  We have a community full of heroes!  Praise God for His protection!

 

And His promises!!!

 

The storm didn't last long, but sure threw a wet wrench into the evening's agenda for awhile.  But we are not easily daunted...the show must go on!

 

And it did!  The magic show was moved inside while the shindig organizers scrambled to put every wet thing back in order.

 

My grandson Karter got to assist with one of the tricks...

Meanwhile the balloon man continued wowing everyone with his unusual skills.

Can he make a balloon replica of someone???

Of course he can!  Looks just like you, Jordan!

 

Kristoffer gives instructions for the cornhole tournament...

 

Ready to throw!

 

Our church also has the CUTEST kids ever!!!

 

And the cutest snowcone makers!  That's my daughter-in-law Dana and friend Leann...a little soaked but still smiling!

 

My daughter Emily organized the kids' games.  She was so busy running around I never even got a photo of her...

 

Our pastor CJ is a good sport and always willing to help out....

 

My son Kamaron with his family...

Sweet smiling Anna!

 

Maxine and Geneva enjoying their snowcones....

 

Not quite sure what animal she is, but Kassie sure is adorable!

 

Grayson adores his Aunt LeAnn....

 

The storm delayed the cornhole tournament, so it was getting quite dark when it finished.

 

We have a new winning team this year!  Nate and his friend Cole....

 

Time to grab some popcorn...

 

...and get comfortable for the BEST fireworks show in Sulphur Springs, masterfully orchestrated by the BEST volunteer fire department!!!

 

Let's get this show started!

 

Such a great evening of community fellowship, full of...

...shindiggity fun!