Voyager Tour Day 3: Now face West...

Greetings!

Today was definitely as restful and peaceful as yesterday was exciting and busy. With our last church service in the morning, we turned our faces west on our journey towards home.

We packed up our bags and departed from the Best Western Hotel that had been our temporary home for the past two nights. After getting so comfortable in a single spot, the boys learned a few extra lessons in how to properly pack and depart from a hotel.

The Mass for St. James Catholic Church was held in a different church building this morning and the boys got to present themselves once again before a new set of faces in the large congregation. They sang extremely well, and despite their small size, their voices gradually filled the entire chamber. Our host was extremely generous, and treated the boys to a large brunch in the basement of the church after the service. A wide variety of coffee cakes, pastries, fruit, and other breakfast items were displayed before them, in addition to some very fancy strawberry and chocolate crepes! After having said their thank you's and goodbye's, the boys once again boarded the bus. Now facing west, we began our drive back towards Minnesota.

Thankfully, we were ahead of schedule throughout the day so the boys got to relax and enjoy themselves for the leisurely bus ride. After code "green" was declared, an array of journals, game boys, and books emerged as they all entertained themselves for the long drive. Pulling out a few decks of playing cards, Aaron set up a large game "golf" and other card games on the bus. Utilizing folders, journals, and notebooks many of the boys recreated a makeshift, individualized card table upon their laps.

We took our time at the different rest stops along the way. At the information center on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois was a large memorial at which PJ explained to the boys the great distinction of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The boys sat spellbound as he related a few heroic stories of men who had earned this high honor. We also took time at these rest stops to continue to whittle down our count-off time. Through much concentration and practice, the boys finally got the time down to 4.0 seconds. With a few more tries, I am certain that they will be able to break four seconds before they arrive home tomorrow.

Once we arrived at our Best Western hotel, the boys were given some free time within their rooms. We ate dinner in a small restaurant that was attached to the hotel. Having the small restaurant largely to ourselves, we took our time and got to brush up on our table manners. The boys were extremely well behaved and I received several complements form guests and hotel staff alike. After the meal, we took advantage of an outdoor swimming pool to go swimming once again. With the temperature being in the 90s today, this was a very refreshing experience.

Once changed and back in their hotel rooms, the boys were given one last chance to do some souvenir shopping at a small shop/gas station that was attached to the hotel. Finally, right before bedtime, PJ gathered all the boys together in one hotel room and recapped the entire tour experience. The boys shared favorite memories and lessons learned as they munched on some sample Wisconsin cheese. With one last moral story, we sent them off to prepare for bed and pack for tomorrow. After checking all their rooms, I am assured that everything is packed up and ready to leave for tomorrow morning. They are really becoming quite the little professional travelers in their experience. The first half of our return journey is now complete, and we all greatly look forward to our Homecoming Concert tomorrow afternoon!

See you tomorrow!
Adam