Groupie Day

The kids had last Tuesday off from school, so we spent it like groupies!

We had lunch at the famous Lancaster's BBQ.












Went to Petty's new shop










Watched some test runs at PIT (pit crew training school)










Checked out NASCAR Technical Institute (where Blake says he's going to school someday)











Kasey's place wasn't open to the public, but Blake peeked in the front door and says "he has a lot of toys in there". Sprint car, quarter midget and a bunch of quads are parked inside.











Jr.'s place was fun















Penske's was AMAZING

Nightfall At Lake Norman

Took these on a drive last Monday. I think they speak for themselves. Is there any wonder why I love it here?

Sneak Peak

Here are few pics I snapped as they were closing the shop one night. The white truck is the one that they took to Atlata this week. Even though the first day rained out, Sam said the test went well. He thinks it's a tough track to figure out, but he was happy to get lots of good runs in and has some ideas to expand on.

Jennell's Wedding

Jennell and Jeremy were married Saturday night at the Cabarrus Country Club. It was just perfect! The snow was falling outside and inside was warm and intimate from the candles, roses and fireplace. It was great to see some friends from Washington. Unfortunately Sam was too busy at work to make it. The food was delicious and the dancing was great fun. We wish Jennell and Jeremy a lifetime of happiness! *Muuuuahhh*

More Snow

More snow came through Saturday afternoon. I had heard stories of grocery stores being out of water, bread, milk and the like whenever a storm was coming in so I wanted to see for myself. With camera in hand to document the phenomenon, I headed up to the store. Guess what I found? Pleanty of everything! I think some goofy Yankee created a myth! I was actually relieved to find out folks here aren't as crazy as I thought =)

Happy Birthday Sammy!

Thursday evening we celebrated Sam's last thirty-something birthday by taking him out to our favorite Mexican place.




After dinner we came home so he could open his gifts.





We finished up with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.

Snow Day

At 5:15 am the CMS school district cancelled school for the day. The kids are so excited! Poor Blake can't do much, but Emily has already been outside to play =)

Too Funny!

Oh.My.Gosh. Y'all wouldn't believe the hysteria going on here. We are under a winter storm advisory through tomorrow. The weather folks have been talking about it for a week. Tonight it's all over the news, red banner across the bottom of the screen and everything. I just got a phone call from the school saying to be prepared for a delay or cancellation. Know how much snow they are predicting here? TWO INCHES! Can you even imagine? I have to admit even I'm all giddy and wound up inside like I'm going to experience something for the first time. Too funny!

You Make Us Proud Bubbie!

Just wanted to share a card Blake brought home from his bus driver =)





The best part is that he didn't even ever mention this to us before we got the card. It was totally a non-event and he just did what anybody should do!

Also, bless the bus driver for making such an effort to recognize Blake! He warmed our hearts. =)

Our Neighborhood

As requested here are some photos of our neighborhood.

First Daytona Test

Well, Sam and the guys made it home about 10pm last night. Since the test was rained out, the guys were able to come home a day early, ya! Sam said it was a pretty cool experience, but alot of hard work and he was glad it is over and he's home (us too). I think Sam had maybe 2 days off in the last 2 months. It was a tough road to get there, but WRE set some respectable times and the shop guys are proud of what they accomplished.



Sam took today off to recoup, but I haven't seen him since 11 am, lol. The guy just never quits. He rode with me to drop the kids off at school and then we grabbed some coffees at Starbucks. On the way home we drove some roads we haven't been down yet. It's amazing how much there is to see and how much you miss if you don't make a point to look.

Anyhew, next thing scheduled is testing in Atlanta on the 23rd. Sam says that truck is close to being done, but it will still be a busy week.

Here's hoping that you all, no matter how busy life gets, make some time this week to explore someplace new and appreciate what's all around you!

Happy New Year

We had a great New Year's Eve. Sam made it home from work about 7pm and wanted to know what army was coming to eat. The kids and I had made pinwheels, chili-cheese dip, buffalo chicken dip, steak skewers, little smokies, smoked sausage, keilbaska and deviled eggs. We also had Chex Mix, tortilla chips and salsa, Fritos, Doritos, a variety of crackers and chesse! For four, lol!



I knew the kids would be continually asking about the time so to help, I bagged up a variety of goodies and marked each bag with a time. Every half hour the kiddos got to open a bag. They got mini puzzles, lighted balls, poppers, sparklers, poker cards and chips, bath bubbles etc. We played charades where you had to act out something that happened the past year. It took a bit to get rolling, but once it did the kids loved it. We made journal entries about our hopes, and memories. We also did a "prediction box" where we all secretly wrote some predictions for the coming year and put the in the box to be opened next New Year's Eve. Sam predicts it will be 2015before I find the box again though (funny guy).




For Christmas Emily finally got the chocolate fountain she's wanted for years. We got it going and all really enjoyed it. Oatmeal-butterscotch cookies, Crunch 'n Munch and Rice Krispy treats rounded out our deserts.







With junk-filled bellies, we all watched the ball drop and welcomed in the new year. We anxiously await what 2008 has in store for us!