Heading Home

Vacation time always passes too quickly. We enjoyed our stay in Mackinaw. there's just something about this place that makes me feel relaxed. Mrs. Soren and I awakened early today and strolled into town for coffee and donuts. Were heading back downstate today, but I still have another week to goof off!

At Days End

We had a great time on Mackinac Island. It was a picture perfect day. We rented mountain bikes and cruised around the island for a couple of hours. Got some lunch and enjoyed the goings on. Later, we returned to Mackinaw City and went to Thunder Falls Water Park. Yep, I went down both of the big slides (pictured here).

Later I went for a run along the shore of Lake Huron, then we enjoyed another nice evening checking out Mackinaw City.

Mackinac

We made it to Mackinac (sometimes spelled Mackinaw, which is how it's pronounced) yesterday afternoon. We walked around Mackinac City, hitting one of our favorite pizza joints for supper. Later, we watched the laser light show (the kids were bored -- what's with kids these days? More and more I find myself saying, "Why when I was your age....blah blah blah" like the Grumpy Old Man from SNL -- "We didn't have fancy schmancy laser shows, we lit matches and waved 'em around, burning our fingers. But we liked it, we liked it just fine.").

We're getting ready to ferry over to the Island. It's a perfect Northern Michigan day.

Vacation!

We're leaving for vacation today. Heading "up north" to Mackinac Island. Tracy and I have been there, but the kids have never been. Later, we'll spend some time with relatives. Next week, we're going to Clinton, Iowa to spend to 4th with family. Will blog if I have internet access.

Have a Great Weekend Everybody!

Cedar Creek Softball

Both of our church softball teams won last night. Inspired by Sammy's 600th homer, I went 4 for 4 (steroid free!), scoring twice. Cedar Creek 19, Hicksville 13.

Pirates 3

Luke and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End last night. Ugh. It was way too long with a confusing plotline and excessive violence. He got bored. But after springing nearly $25 for tickets and popcorn & drinks -- we stayed 'til the end.

Sammy Sosa Blasts #600

Despite the fact that he is no longer a Chicago Cubs player, and I know about the allegations about "juice" -- I can't help it, I still like Sammy. Last night he joined the 600 club.

iPod Woes

My iPod has been acting weird lately. I had to "restore" it a couple of times; it freezes up occasionally; and finally it stopped working altogether (it wouldn't complete the "restore" cycle). I called Tech Support and the guy walked me through several attempts to fix it. Finally he told me that I need to send it in to be repaired or replaced. I've only had it for six months, but I'm glad that I bought the Apple Care Plan.

Camp Update

Camp is going great. I'm spending some fun time with my son Luke, and I am getting to know some other kids. We have a good faculty, and the responsibilities are spread out so nobody is overwhelmed (for example, I only teach one class per day). We have some free time too. Weather is perfect.

Church Camp

I will leave Sunday to go to Lake James Christian Assembly. There will be several dozen 6th & 7th graders. I’m serving as a teacher and a “dorm dad.” One of the reasons why I love Christian Service Camp is that it had a tremendous influence upon me when I was young. Life-changing decisions are made at Church Camp. It was there that I became convinced of my need to accept Jesus as Savior. It was there that I decided to give my life to the preaching of the Gospel. It was there that I met other Christian young people, developing friendships that continue to this day.

Please pray for us this week.

LeBron!

Even though I was dead tired, I couldn't stop watching the Pistons-Cavs game last night. That game was awesome! A double-overtime nail biter. Even though I'm a Detroit fan (well, not really a fan, but if I follow any team, it's the Pistons). LeBron James played out of his mind -- draining three's and jamming over people. 48 points, including 29 out of the Cavs last 30!

One of the guys on ESPN radio said it was like the Michael J. Fox character in Teen Wolf (sadly, I knew exactly what he was talking about -- Fox turns into a werewolf and his teammates stand around watching him dominate on the court). Another guy said it was like the dream sequence in Fletch (one of my all-time faves) where Fletch played for the Lakers ("6'-5", 6'-9" with the afro") and dunked over everybody. Scary thing is that this guy is still developing. He would be a college senior.