We have enjoyed some of the coolest weather recently. As a matter of fact, I was mowing late Friday evening and around sunset I considered going in to change from shorts and jeans. The next morning the thermometer read 59°.
CENTRI-KID REPORT. Now that Vicki and Jenna have had some time to rest up I can pass along their report from camp. They had a lot of fun. The boys and I have heard a lot new songs and cheers. According to Vicki and Jenna every aspect of their camp experience was very good, including the food. I think they were busy from an early breakfast and worship rally through the entire day until a late night party. The kids also had track time where they went to some smaller classes in the afternoons. Jenna went to drama and a class called “No Boys Allowed” (which she won’t tell me about).
FAMILY REUNION. Sunday before last (the 12th) we all loaded in the van (with Pauline) and went to Camden for the Phifer reunion. I think this was one of the largest reunions we’ve been to. The boys really enjoy the hiking trail that runs behind the lodge where the reunion is held. I mentioned this trail last year and that you have to climb a steep 75 foot hill to reach the trail. I think the hill got taller this year. To add insult to injury the boys made me climb it twice this time. I really need one of those hills behind the house.
STILL STEAMING AFTER 40 YEARS! The Threshermen’s Show celebrated its 40th year this year. The show is synonomous with hot weather, but this year I actually heard people say they were cold at some of the evening events.
Our whole family went to the show Friday. The kids and I returned Saturday (and Mom came up for the parade and lunch). Jenna enjoyed hanging out with her cousin, Bonnie, while the boys and I took in all the sights and sounds together. The funniest thing to watch was the boys on the wild bull ride. Ben was thrown three times. Nate hung on for dear life and was ready to get off after about a minute. (The fellow operating the bull went a little easier on Nate.)
The steam engine and thresher ran well again this year. Jackie and Charlie took the engine to a show in Clarksville back in September. After that they took the engine to Charlie’s house where it was more convenient to do some maintenance and put on a new coat of paint. Charlie has begin to invlove his older son, Will, in working on the engine, and he seems to be taking to it well.
SONROCK KIDS CAMP. Our Vacation Bible School kicked off last night with a total attendance around 220. (I haven’t heard a figure for tonight.) This has occupied Vicki ever since she got back from camp, and things are reaching a fever pitch for her now. I am helping out this year as well, but in a different capacity--I am teaching the adult class. (David, my hat is off to you.)
Life will revolve around VBS for us this week. Thinking about that, it never ceases to amaze me each year the number of people at our church who donate a week of evenings to use their talents to put on Vacation Bible School. We may be bone tired by the end of Thursday’s activities, but a lot of good things will have happened between now and then.
Joe
