Sunday - Sunday - Sunday (or Papa's ride around the track)!

I tried to post this earlier but blogger.com was not in the mood.

I was finally able to upload the video of Pat's car moving onto the
race track. The closer the car got the BIGGER the track looked!

August 22 Pat had a chance to experience his birthday present from the kids - a high speed ride three times around the Kansas Speedway in a Nationwide series race car! It was - no surprise - a sunny, hot day but Lindsey had driven up the day before and we were joined by Ty & Jerilyn along with Jeff & Steph so it was all good. Here is a shot of the raceway from the parking lot.

We were able to be 'in the pits' behind the short wall which separates the pit crews from the pit road. Noah & Lindsey are checking out one of the cars while Ty shot some pictures, Jeff looked on and Jerilyn discusses the morning with Audrey.
Pat had passed the clearance area and
was getting suited up for his ride.
He looks pretty happy doesn't he??
Audrey got to pose with Papa and a
really heavy helmet.


Not sure what instructions he had to have to ride along
but everyone was pretty serious about it.
Pat was headed for car #20 right behind the
Lowe's car
I shot this on his second time around.
The car was running about 160 mph
Over all too quickly!
Pat & Jackson taking one
last look & listen!

On our way out someone spotted a Kevin Harvick
car in the Winners Circle - made a great
photo op
I LOVE this picture - Noah knows his place in the
family order. You'll notice he left space for an
absent Seth between himself and Audrey!!
Jackson, Ty & Jerilyn
Lindsey posing for an absent John - he was
trout fishing with his Dad in Colorado
The driver with his super hot wife - it was
about 105 in the shade!!!
The kids were able to actually get into the car -
as you can see Noah was terrified!
After we told Audrey to quit driving like a
Grandma she relaxed
If you think Jackson is assisting Tyler in
getting into the car . . . . .
you would be dead wrong!!
After we left the track we went to a nearby
Cabela's to drool over the sports & outdoor
equipment. Jack would make his Santa Barbara
Grandpa proud - he LOVED the boats!
Noah announced he didn't want a fishing boat -
he wanted a PARTY boat and most of us had
to agree!

Can you see the 13 yr old in this picture??
Doesn't she look great!
Honey - we're not in Santa Barbara anymore!
Our last stop was wandering around the Nebraska Furniture Mart
to cool off before everyone headed back home. Lindsey
& Jackson found some bonding time in front of the mirrors.
I'm fairly certain most of the shoppers thought we needed
to get a life if I am taking pictures in a furniture store!!

Move East young family!!

On August 10th Pat & I drove to KCI airport to pick up Tyler, Jerilyn, Jackson & Natalie to start their 'Midwest Adventure' as Tyler finishes his Master's degree at K-State in Manhattan, Kansas. Somehow the secret slipped out and Missouri responded to Jerilyn's arrival in her usual bad mannered way with record breaking heat (usually it is record breaking cold).

We had several days of just enjoying their company and going through furniture needs for their apartment. They had shipped A LOT of boxes but you can't put a table in a box. Here are a few shots of the kids getting to know us and just chillin'.

Jack loved all the cats and all the vehicles. His little face got pretty red running around but he was having fun.

Natalie has been sprung from her 'mommy pack' and is enjoying watching big brother.

Cry Freedom!!!

As you can tell my charm is working its usual magic on Natalie!
Papa has better luck
There is no denying this is Tyler's daughter!
Love that hair!!
Look Mom - another cat! Natalie still has to wear her
helmet for a few more weeks.
Beautiful faces . . .

On Saturday Steph & Jeff along with Neal & Theresa arrived to
spend the weekend. The girls were thrilled with another girl!
Ryan & Joy arrived Sunday afternoon - here
brothers are catching up

Sunday afternoon was great - warm but a nice breeze. We spent
most of our time outside. I discovered Miss Brooke loves cherries
as much as I do!

Jerilyn and Natalie relaxing after lunch
Caleb instructing Jackson on the finer art
of shaking the baby gate - - -
maybe if they both work together???

Pat's birthday is August 2nd and Jackson's is August 14th.
We've been able to celebrate them together on Jackson's
first birthday and now his second.
Pat's is still his 39th.
This gift is from Shane, Christy & Alex.


Alex made Papa a special card

Signed print showing two German WWII aces

Natalie is an O'Donnell girl - give her the keys!!

Aunt Steph can relate to that.

Jackson offering to put a price on Papa!

Steph did her usual fantastic job on Jackson's cake - he only had eyes for the car

Sun was going down and everyone finished Sunday
by relaxing, sipping brandy slushes and eating cake.

Monday morning Pat & I helped Ty & Jerilyn move
into their new place in Manhattan. The married student
apartment complex was beautiful with lots of sidewalks,
grass and a fountain!

This is the view from outside their front door

Papa taking a break to enjoy Miss Natalie

OK - where does the cleaning stuff go????

Jack and Natalie's room is a very nice size and they have
room for their toys. That will help since the living room is
very small - go figure!!

If you follow this sidewalk to the bike rack and turn right
you will reach their apartment on the far back corner.

I'll add videos just as soon as I can!