Daytona and July 4th

We had an amazing weekend with amazing people in Daytona and then back at home to celebrate the 4th of July. 

We left Friday morning and headed south for the races.  Allen and I got there first, followed shortly by Danny, Dee, Jeremy, Travis and Randilynn.  The race was Saturday, so we left the house at 11 to head to the track.  We parked in the infield and grilled out then spent some time in the fan zone.  In the fan zone, you can go look into the garages, walk along pit row, walk on the track, stand next to the cars that are lined up for the race, watch the concert, and see the driver introductions.  It was Allen's first race, so we did it all. 

Allen, me, Danny, Dee and Jeremy on the track

Us in front of Dale Jr's car that he drove in the race

a toast to male bonding haha

Dale Jr as he drove right in front of us.. my camera went into power save mode, so I didnt get a face shot

Dale Jr driving by us at the start of the race

If you can't tell from my pictures, my driver is Dale Jr.  I am honestly not sure where he finished because there was a huge wreck in turn 4 on the last lap of the race and he was in it.  

Race weekend is a tradition in my family... and extended family.  It is pretty much the only time of the year that I get to spend more than a few hours with my brother just being big kids.... without the little ones.  I havent been in a couple of years and it was so great to be back.  Then to be able to spend time with some awesome friends and to see my mechanic husband experience Daytona for the first time..... I could not have asked for a better weekend.

We left Daytona Monday morning and headed home to spend the 4th of July with our boys and Allen's family.  We spend the 4th at Northwoods Baptist Church every year.  They have all kinds of stuff for the kids to do, live music and great fireworks.  There are not nearly as many people as Tom Brown, and there are REAL bathrooms. 

It started raining right before it was time to go to the fireworks so we stayed at home and waited it out.  We got there right around 7 and it was muddy everywhere... which was more fun than you would think.  The fireworks were amazing as usual and the boys had a blast.  Daniel got to run around in the mud and jump on the bounce houses.  Connor got a balloon and carried it around proudly.  Daniel watched the fireworks with his ears plugged by his fingers and Connor responded to each one with a "wow" or a "woo" or a "whats that".  It was freaking ADORABLE. 

I would have to say that this was one of the best 4th of July weekends that I have had in a REALLY long time.  Great friends, beautiful children, the best brother ever, and my wonderful husband made this weekend so memorable and I cannot wait until next year!!!