Sunday, January 31, 2010

race day

Lily woke up early and put on her Sunday best to go cheer on her Grandpa today.




It was a big day for him. She had lots to cheer for because check out her cool Grandpa!!!



For this something-0 th (rhymes with beventieth) birthday in August, we surprised him with a NASCAR driving experience where he got to zip around an official racetrack and look like the real mccoy. We did it through this company which was incredible if you ever want a great gift for someone or if it's on your bucket list (hephermgail). :) As excited as he was when we gave it to him, it was now time to pay the piper and not time for cold feet.





I still can't believe that's my sweet little daddy. He looks so tough and mean...
Thumbs up!


with a bum (yet recovering) knee, the dive into this car wasn't pretty, but once he was in safe and sound, he looked like the real deal,,,




and then he zooooomed 153 miles per hour around the track...
yes, 153 miles per hour as in 153 miles per hour. not a typo.





153



wow.

Katie thought it'd be neat to have the number 70 on his car instead of 68. teehee



and Lily cheered all the way...



and even got down low for a better seat...



but Katie took her by the hand to find the best seat ever...



dad was all smiles before, during and after the race...here he is giving his post race play-by-play







his paparazzi is hanging on his every word. (the earpiece is my favorite accouterment)



we were all so proud of him...





as he had the loudest cheering section in the bunch





I think dad was a little envious of Lily after the race; actually a lot envious.




Happy Birthday (again) Daddy! We hope all your wishes come true. You are so loved.


8 comments:

Heidi said...

omg...that moving car pick is GREAT!!!!

so glad you had such a great time on the other coast.

Grandpa said...

What an incredible experience! To say I wasn’t a little apprehensive would be not true . . . . and once I was in the car and the ‘starter’ was giving me some last minute instructions . . . my confidence started to build . . . ‘a little’ . . . but as I was going around the track receiving instructions and encouragement from my spotter high-up in the press box . . . I became someone I’m not sure that I knew!

Now having everyone there showing their support really meant a lot to me . . . and for my beautiful daughters . . . Jennifer, Molly and Kelly . . . thinking ‘out of the box’ by giving me this birthday present meant they had the confidence that their Dad could “pull this thing off.”

I think they’re really special . . .

Love ya!
Dad and Grandpa

Leah said...

Oh my gosh the jack in the box clip is so freakin' cute. The way shoves the jack back in and then slides her hand out ever so gently and then knows not to have her fingertips touching the part that pops up... oh, just so cute! And her cute chuckle! Gotta love that. Looks like you really had a great time with your dad. You are SO blessed to have such a wonderful and tight-knit family. It's really special to witness (my family is the same way and I thank my lucky stars every day for that). xoxo
Leah

Leah said...

Oh my gosh the jack in the box clip is so freakin' cute. The way shoves the jack back in and then slides her hand out ever so gently and then knows not to have her fingertips touching the part that pops up... oh, just so cute! And her cute chuckle! Gotta love that. Looks like you really had a great time with your dad. You are SO blessed to have such a wonderful and tight-knit family. It's really special to witness (my family is the same way and I thank my lucky stars every day for that). xoxo
Leah

Anna Ruth said...

Your dad looks like a real race car driver. He isn't thinking about taken up a new career is he? What a fun time for your dad and to have his family there cheering him on. It was probably one of his best birthdays yet.

Julie Frizzi said...

Happy Birthday Lenny. I love all these pictures and can feel the love overflowing in all of them. You are all so fortunate to have such wonderful parents who continue to cheer on your every move!!! Love your family!!!

Rayna said...

I talked to your dad at school today and he still looked like a kid in a candy store telling me all about it. He is so cute, and what a wonderful birthday present. My favorite pic is of Katie and Lily. She's getting so big.

Mary said...

Yes, it was a special day. Something Dad really deserved and appreciated. I love our whole extended family. There is such a level of support for each other. I couldn't be more proud.
Mom