Guess that...

After the amazing time we had last weekend with the first ever "Guess that...", I think we're on to something.

Round two. 15,000 points for the first correct guess.

Guess that...TV show reference.

Books #21-26...

As always...don't judge me by what I read. My excuse this month is that it's summer.

Dexter in the Dark
Jeff Lindsay
Meh.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Seth Grahame-Smith
I wouldn't be surprised if one day in the distant future that someone picks up this book and assumes that it is historical. Did you know that Lincoln hunted vampires? Oh please make this into a movie.

Wonder, Fear, And Longing: A Book of Prayers
Mark Yaconelli
Needed to change up the mindless reading a do something to look after the heart and soul.

The Ark
Boyd Morrison
So that's what you think the ark really was/is?

Help! I'm a Small Group Leader
Laurie Polich
A quick read that serves as a good resource for the leaders of student small groups. I'll be making all our small group leaders read a copy as they prepare for the upcoming year.

Steve & Me: Life With the Crocodile Hunter
Terri Irwin
I remember discovering the Croc Hunter on TV during a trip to Hawaii years ago. Crikey! And it was a sad day when he died. Did I mention that I have Croc Hunter toys on my book shelf?

Coming soon...

While the actual number of guesses were not that large, it turns out that the blogosphere flocked to the first ever edition of "Guess That..." last Saturday. I would like to thank all of you, especially the one family who probably viewed that page a thousand times alone.

I think I may need to put some more thought into what I'll post this Saturday.

I'm open to suggestions if you have any.

Strep...

Strep throat is the official diagnosis around our house. We'll assume that Becca started this immediately after we got back from vacation. I picked it up about midway through my camp week and then Erin and Aidan are the last to jump on the band wagon.

This was supposed to be my first day in the office in over 3 weeks. Instead I'm opting for various medications, my couch, a book, and some TV.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone. In the last week I've lost 5-6 pounds because I just can't bring myself to eat.

This too shall pass. This to shall pass.

Book #20...

Leading On Empty
Wayne Cordeiro

If you are a leader in a church you need to do yourself a favor and go buy this book. You're not a leader? Go buy one and give it to a leader near you.

This book was like a good punch in the face. The kind that reminds you that you don't like getting punched in the face and you need to do something in order to prevent getting punched in said face in the future.

I'm also going to tell everyone to buy this book. Brad bought it, and he's so awesome that you should just do it to be like Brad. Or to be like Mike.

Guess that...

I think a little game would be a good way to start the weekend.

It's called "Guess That..."

I'll show you a photo. You need to respond correctly to win.

This week it's "Guess That...Chest!"










Today's prize: 15,000 points

Camp...

Last year I got invited out to speak to the Senior Teens at Camp Kawkawa. I was only able to spend a couple days there because of prior commitments, but I had such a blast that I asked the director, Wayne, if he would give me first dibs this year. He did.

I just got back. And it was a blast. I haven't done a week at camp since I was the same age of my own kids, so this was basically a brand new experience. Late nights, early mornings, food, games, campfires, waterfront...shall I go on?

The best part was I took my family along for a few of the days. They put us up in a brand new bungalow that overlooked the lake. They fed us like royalty. Seriously, this camp has the best camp food ever.

Only one problem. I got wiped out midweek by some bug that Becca had last week. I was up for 2 nights with a fever, headache, sore muscles, sore throat, and an inability to generally cope. I'm over the worst of it (which Aidan and Erin and just now entering in to), but it made for a rough couple of days where I slept the afternoons away instead of being on the lake.

This week was yet another solid reminder that I love working with teenagers. Fascinating creatures that they are, life is never dull with them around. I was talking all week about "Encounters With Jesus" and we definitely got to see some first hand encounters. I even got to participate in 6 baptisms on Thursday morning.

All in all it was a great experience to be had.

But now it's back to "normal life" and we all have to shake this stupid bug.

Let it begin...

A new season of footballing is now officially upon us, having beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield. Having watched a few of United's preseason games on the PC, I'm stoked to see what will happen this year.

Giggsy and Scholes are still at it. Owen is fit (at least temporarily). Vidic signed on for another few seasons. Rooney didn't get injured at the World Cup. Signing a Mexican striker who looks like an added boost of speed up front. Berbatov looking ever so calm. Macheda looming in the background ready to prove himself. Valencia ready for the runs down the wing.

Shall I go on?

Sure, no big name has been signed in the summer. But I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Fergie usually knows what he's doing.

The only thing I'm holding out for is that Setanta HD will show up on the Shaw Direct lineup very, very soon.

Love the So Cal...

I don't know why but I've developed a soft spot for Southern California over the years.

We just got back last night from our latest adventure. We were able to snag some cheap flights in April and decided it was time to take the kids on a "flying" vacation.

Thanks to a little help from Grandpa, the kids thought they were flying to Vancouver Island right up until we passed through the security clearance when a guard said "Take your parents on all the scary rides, ok?"

Best response from Aidan when we finally fessed up, "Does this mean we aren't going to the Island?"

But what a blast we had. Exploring Disneyland, eating In-N-OutChick-fil-A, wandering through Hollywood, driving along the coast and just generally enjoying non-stop time together.



Highlights of the trip:

I drove our rental car straight off a curb thinking it was an exit from the parking lot. Lesson #1 learned: It pays to get the extra insurance.

Becca on the dance floor...only it was Bieber that was playing. Seriously...she jumped in there with very little prodding. You won't see any pics of Aidan on the dance floor...unfortunately he deemed dancing as too embarrassing.


Watching the kids get picked for Jedi Training. Aidan was thrilled to face off against his hero...Darth Maul.





Finding a Ferrari...in a mall parking lot! Sure, it was in the middle of LA, but still it's kind of funny, right?






Jumping on the Grizzly River Run minutes before the park closed. The was the most water we got hit with ever on this ride!




Acting like California tourists and strolling for stars.









Checking out the Hollywood sign.

Starting vacation...

Today is the official start of weeks of vacation. With it I am pleased to show you a video that made me laugh.