Space Shuttle

Just thought this was cool. 2 Space Shuttles on the launch pads at the same time. I've loved to follow the space program since I was 13 and went to see the Columbia land out at Edwards AFB for STS 5, as well as the 1st landing of the Challenger. (Both ships are since gone.) Right now they have Atlantis and Endeavour ready for launch because the upcoming mission will be going to the Hubble Telescope for repairs. The Endeavor (in the background) will serve as a rescue ship in case something goes wrong. It's kind of sad to see the Shuttle program winding down over the next two years. I just hope that we stay bold with space exploration and keep moving forward as they did back in the '60s.

Peek-a-boo Peter

April's Birthday & Some Flying

April turned 30 last week and we celebrated all week long. A surprise party at Hume, a party in Fresno for friends and family, and finally a weekend away for both of us. I rented a plane and flew her to Napa on Saturday. Upon our arrival at the airport a we taxied into the parking area, we noticed a car being driven right up to us. The driver got out, greeted us, and put our bags in what was our rental car for the weekend. We left the airport to take in all that Napa had to offer, from great restaurants to drives out among the vineyards, to simply some quality time together as a couple. We even went to see the Dark Knight, and oh was that ever dark. After hitting some more local spots on Sunday, we flew out and headed over the San Francisco Bay at 2,500' above the water. We headed out over Marin County, then flew east across the bay, past Alcatraz, over Oakland, and then on home. It was a perfect weekend... quality time with my babe, and over 4 hours of flying time.

Heading Home Soon

So camp wraps up this week and we get to head home. We are seriously going to miss San Diego and the huge blessing this place has been in our lives over the last month. It's been so good to have Peter around our camp staff every day and watch him interact with everyone in such a positive way. We'll miss spontaneous trips out to dinner in the evenings and all the cool places to hang our around here.

Camp went really well and we saw so many kids' lives changed. My ministry really was more to the youth pastors and being sure their needs were taken care of, as well as just constantly dealing with all the logistics of keeping camp running. In addition to being camp co-director with Jay, I was constantly overseeing our finances, cash flows and just plain keeping things going smoothly. I love that I get to be hands on with camp for a month. It would drive me crazy if I had to do an entire summer, but this is the perfect balance of hands-on and doing behind-the-scenes things.
But my favorite part has been just spending time with my amazing wife and son. It's been so cool to watch Peter grow right before my eyes, and then to share all of this together with April is pretty much the coolest thing ever. We are just so blessed.

So we head home on Sunday after catching a last-minute Padres game on Saturday night. We are definitely looking forward to being home and just catching our breath; but at the same time will seriously miss this place. I guess we'll just have to come back again next year.