Christmas Rocket

My daughter Cassie (7) got a rocket for Christmas.  Welcome to our living room...aka...space. 

Brandon's First Week

Our new Family Pastor, Brandon Capuano started his first week on the job.  Check out this amateur video documentary of this new chapter in his life. 

Brandon and Fam Crossing the Country

We recently hired a new full-time staff member, Brandon Capuano.  Brandon will be leading our youth and children's ministry at Harvest.  He is crossing the country to get here.  2,000 miles lie between San Diego and Chicago.  Add three kids into the mix and you have an exciting road trip!  They are taking their time, stopping to see the sights and to visit some friends.  Here are a few pictures from their journey.  Keep them in prayer!  They will arrive in Chicago next Tuesday. 

 These are a cross breed of cattle and bison.  They call them "beefalo."  Sound tasty!

 A big hole that you have to see to believe.

Perhaps the world's largest dandelion. 

 Hmmm...how can we get down there...

Okay, back in the van! 

Six Flags

The fam took a trip to Six Flags Great America last week.  I may have slightly breached park protocol in the making of this movie.  No smartphones were injured in the process.

Vaca Silver Birch Ranch

The Hall family embarked on quite an adventure this year. We opted to take a vacation to Silver Birch Ranch in Wisconsin. I know pure Michigan has better radio ads, but we passed. We ventured deep into Packer territory---past Green Bay! But it is hard to deny the beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness.







After traveling for 5.5 hours past countless dairy farms, through forests and even an Indian Reservation, we arrived safely at the Ranch. SBR is a Christian camp with a tremendous legacy. The grounds feature a stable with all form of livestock, including horses, goats and pigs...that weigh 800 lbs!

Cassie (7) is an animal lover, so she just lit up when she took a pony ride. Jared chased the roosters around the petting zoo. Cassie also ran after a baby goat that escaped the zoo and carried it back to safety (very biblical).





SBR also has an impressive lakefront. One morning we woke up early and canoed out to an island for a special breakfast cooked by some summer staff. We also saw a family of loons and an eagle's nest. We heard a rumor that a bear swam across the lake 2 years ago. (Probably Cutler after a loss). We also took a pontoon boat tour and they made the mistake of letting Jared drive.





The theme for the year was "The Gauntlet." They actually had a gauntlet set up and I actually ran through it. I even cut my hand and bled. Very medieval. They also set-up a jousting contest...which I didn't win. The highlight of the theme night was when they used a catapult to launch candy into the air for the kids.







Cassie and Ellie were both brave enough to try the dueling zip-lines. Jared talked a good game until he froze in fear on top of the platform. Maybe next year.






Here is an old-time recap of our great trip to Silver Birch Ranch.

It's a dog!

Welcome Spencer Panda Hall! (Cassie gave him his middle name)

Spencer is a mix between a Weimaraner and a Boston Terrier. Very unique breed born out of a special love story between two diverse breeds...kind of like Romeo and Juliet, I guess.

Spencer is 3 months old, loves to run, chew things, play and wrestle. He is not a barker (thankfully). He can already fetch and sit (as long as he gets a treat). The kids love him already.

Do you have any puppy tips for us?

Fun creativity at the Hall house...

Hello church family!

Last Saturday while Lauren and Ellie were out shopping, Cassie, Jared and I filmed an epic, soon to be award-winning, stop action feature film. This film stars Cassie's doll, Jared's dinosaur "Spike," and a host of others. Jared himself makes an appearance if you watch closely. Hope you enjoy this look into our family room!

2011 Discipleship Challenge

Acts Discipleship Challenge 2011 from Harvest Bible Chapel Palos on Vimeo.

City Getaway

Lauren and I received a gift from the Harvest Palos Launch Team back in 2009---a hotel giftcard to a ritzy place in the city called, "Dana Hotel and Spa."  We finally got to use it! 

We arrived at our hotel Friday evening, checked in, and met the concierge named Romeo.  I wished I had a name like Romeo...just for a moment.  Up we went to the 18th floor, where we had an amazing view.

We heard of a french restaurant called "Everest," which intrigued us because it was our church theme in 2010.  I called to check on dress code and parking and found out prices started at $90 per person.  YIKES!  So we chose not to climb.  Instead, we made a reservation and "Wildfire."  Great steaks!

On Saturday, we hit the streets, heading towards Watertower Place to shop.  We saw a street thug slammed to the sidewalk by 3 security guards.  He asked us for help, but we refused. 

Watertower place was fun...and huge.  8 floors of Macy's.  The men's section is on the TOP FLOOR.  All those escalators gave me motion sickness.  I bought a pair of jeans.  Lauren found some dynamite deals on clothes (on the 2nd floor), which made me happy.  

We walked across the street to the Hancock Building and flew up to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor for coffee, appetizers, and altitude.  The view was great, but the conversation was better.  We talked about the church, our kids, our future, etc.  This is an easy place to lose track of time!

We walked back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.  On the way to the elevator, I noticed a few drops of blood on the lobby floor.  Then the elevator door opened and there was a small puddle of blood inside.  I told Lauren it would probably be best if we just said nothing to anybody (Then I thought it might be that street thug from earlier who probably got away...and was possibly hiding in our room...).  We got ready and hit P.F. Changs for dinner (hard to beat!).  Then we grabbed a cab and headed to Navy Pier to catch the movie, "Tron" on the Imax.  What a rush!  Great movie. 

Sunday morning, we went to Harvest Chicago North, which met in a classy elementary school with a big theater.  I think we were the oldest people in the room.  We were so excited to see God at work in the heart of Chicago through Harvest. 

After church, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.  It has been awhile since we visited this museum.  We walked in through the space center.  I decided I would never make it as an astronaut.  I read how they trained the astronauts...something about kneeling on a chair that spins on 2 axis at once while blindfolded makes me...not want to do that in space. 

We took the U-Boat tour.  It was fascinating to learn how 60 men stayed out at sea for 90 days with only 2 bathrooms and 0 showers!  The kitchen was smaller than an elevator. 

After the Museum, we hit the road back home.  The kids were glad to see us, and our regular awesome life resumed.  Thanks for the gift Launch Team!