A Day at the Race Tracks

For Matt's (Erin's brother) birthday, He got a ticket to go on the Richard Petty Driving Experience and actually got to drive one of the Winston cars at Gateway. He arrived at Gateway at around 11 am and had to go through training for about an hour and a half. Then he was able to go driving.

The setup was that two 'students' went driving at a time. When each person drove he followed their lead car. If you wanted to go faster you closed in on the car and then they would go faster and vise versa. So actually the student was in total control of the speed. Matt's spot in line was 22nd and each group took about 15 minutes so the wait was long.

Erin's mom Barb called Erin and I to take photographs of Matt driving. So during the long wait, The Richard Driving Experience offered a ride-along option for those people who came to watch their family members drive. So Erin and I, Rachel, Maria, Reggie and April (Matt's friends) all took the opportunity to ride in the Winston cup car.

Erin and i were paired to ride in the two cars that rode simultaneously. We had to put on the flame retardant overalls and the big helmet along with a neck brace. Then we waited in line to drive while taking in the noise, heat of the cars and the smell of burning rubber. Then our time came to climb through the window and get in the car. The seat was tight, my head was immovable and the heat from the engine filled the car. But it didn't matter, the rumble from the engine was about to roar and we were going to be on our way.

Instantly my ears were filled a sound that was heard so many times while we waited. The acceleration threw my body against the seat. Then we took the first turn. The lateral g-forces were strong. The side bolstering from the seat was pushing hard against the turn-induced forces. My head was pressed hard onto the inside of my helmet, but nothing moved as i was well strapped into the car. As the car zoomed past 130 mph, the heat from the engine made my feet sweat. But none of that mattered, i was exhilarated at the speed, acceleration and handling that allowed the car to take an unbanked sharp turn at 90+ mph and banked turns at much faster which allowed the smile on my face to grow even bigger.

But unfortunately, the ride doesn't last forever. I had to get out and allow the next riders to go on their ride. then about the time that Erin and i got out of our driving attire, Matt was due to drive next. I documented the process of Matt getting in the car through the window and getting strapped in. Then he was given the sign to begin and off he zoomed. I snapped many pictures of his ride.

After we all regrouped and finished off our time at Gateway, we decided to go out to dinner at Cracker Barrel. The dinner was great but the ride along was even better.

To see the pictures, click here.

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The Upside to Pregnancy

Not too long ago, Erin's Friend Ariella came into town from Chicago for her baby shower. Ariella and Erin became friends while they were studying nursing at UMSL. So for Erin and i, we were lucky to have Ariella squeeze us into her busy visit. We showed her around our new place and talked about her job and her hubby Daniel. But the bast part was talking about her pregnancy. I found out some cool things. Not only do your feet swell to about twice their size while carrying a baby, but the swelling is like play dough. You can hold it, shape it and impress images into it. Also, the basketball belly is great for holding glasses, plates and for an arm rest. I am starting to get a little jealous. Ariella stayed for aout two hours and Erin and I greatly enjoyed her visit. Come back soon!

To see the pics click here.

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The Rest of the Pics from MTL

Give thanks to Laura, She reminded me that i havent posted the remaining pics from our family gathering. So, with that prompting, i added them to the group that i made earlier.

Check them out here.
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Our House, In The Middle of Our Street, Our House...

As of August 1st, I have a new house. I will take you through as good of a virtual tour that i can manage. But first, i will give the low-down. It is about 1150 square feet. three official bedrooms with one unofficial bedroom in the basement. two and a half baths, four car garage, two driveways and a finished basement. Erin and i will be having a house warming party to show our families the house.

The lot we have is a corner lot. On the left side of the house is half of our yard that continues to the other driveway. In the corner of the lot is a big evergreen.

The other driveway leads right up to the patio and back door. The back door is a huge Anderson glass sliding door. It feels like it weighs a ton.

On to the inside. The front door leads into the front room. Please don't mind the mess, we were still unpacking during the picture process. Then while walking down the wall way is two bedrooms, full bath and the master bedroom with an attached

half bath.

If you would walk through the door way that leads right (on the above pic) then that is our kitchen and attached dinning room, the stairs to the basement, back door and door to the garage (see below).

The stairs lead to the basement where the fireplace is. then that is in the large family room. The other half of the basement is a 'bedroom', full bath with a spa tub and our laundry room.

The garage is a four car garage and is my favorite part of the house. i am going to make a work area so i can fix/make stuff. Finally on the right side of the house is our other side yard.

Check out our pics here.

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