Friday morning we were at the track bright and early to watch the Sprint Cars qualify and the Nationwide drivers practice. We also had pit passes and passes to the Neon Garage. The Neon Garage is really awesome a piece of glass is all that separates you from the car the pit crew and the driver. Of course being right in the pits, your knees kissing the wall as these cars fly by you at 190 plus mph is such a rush!

Saturday morning, once again we were at the track early, this was going to be a full day, with qualifying for the Nationwide race, qualifying for the Sprint cars, practice and then the NW race that afternoon. A big day. My boy did not bring it home, but he had a good finish so I was happy.

Sunday morning, you guessed it, a VERY early start to the day. Although we did not bid at the auction on Thursday evening, we did sign up for the Charity walk for Sunday morning. Everyone had to meet at the track by 7:30 and we were allowed onto the racing surface at 8:00am There were some news reporters from NASCAR along with Kyle Busch that joined the walk. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is only a mile and half track so the walk was not a tough one. Then the Big race…

Jeff Gordon had a DNF, as did Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch hit the wall and Jimmie Johnson well no one knows for sure what happened to his car on this day, Dale Jr finished 2nd and my boy well he did not take the checkered flag this day but again a top 5 finish. Carl Edwards one of the good guys took home the trophy this Sunday afternoon, all and all a great day!

Monday we went to see some of the sites on the strip as this was my first trip to Las Vegas. As if I had not had enough fun, I let my husband talk me into riding the roller coaster at New York New York Hotel and Casino, for those of you have not seen this roller coaster I invite you to go to their website and take a peek, was I stupid or what? And you thought I was crazy for taking 3 laps in cup car at Bristol Motor Speedway last year, that was nothing compared to this roller coaster! I told my husband that I am keeping the pictures for the divorce attorney!

December 22nd.  What a big day for our girl, we had our nails done, she was a brave girl and had her ears pierced and topped off her afternoon with a trip to see Jolly ole Saint Nick.

Nascar museum in North Carolina August 2007. Wally and I are standing next to one of Rusty Wallace’s Winston Cup cars.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs Ryan Dunn

Wally and I at Ryan and Maddie’s wedding reception back in September. My sister Michele put alot of work into this evening, it was beautiful.

Mackenzie and I having a buddy day

 Mom was in the hospital for several days in January , shortly after that Wally’s brother had a heart attack, and a few months later was in a serious auto accident with his wife.  We are so lucky that we did not loose them. After seeing the pictures of the car it was very evident that  they had a guardian angel watching over them.

In the spring the biggest blow came,  we lost my sister JoAnn (Joey).  I miss her terribly.  Its funny/sad you never realize just how much someone means to you until they are gone.  There are so many times that I want to talk with her, call her to tell her something silly and I can’t do that.  We take so much for granted, put so many things off  telling ourselves we can do it tomorrow.   A promise that I am making to myself and those around me, is that I will not put off till tomorrow what I want to say today, because tomorrow may never come.

2008 is just around the corner,  and with it  alot of  excitement. new beginnings,  we have a new baby that will be coming into the family.  My son, Ryan and his wife Maddie are expecting their first child at the beginning of June.  

My nephew, Jimmy is serving in the US Navy, he just returned from the Middle East that in itself is something to be grateful for.   While in the Navy Jimmy met and fell in love with Jordan, together they have a beautiful son, Austin.  Last month they married.  They are now in the process of moving Jordan and Austin up to Washington so the family can be together.

My nephew Zack just graduated from UC Davis, he plans on taking a break before heading to law school.  Congrats Zack!

Yes, 2008 is going to be a good year, and throughout the year I will be posting pictures of family, friends and anything else that might strike my fancy.  I encourage your comments,  ooh that could be asking for trouble!  LOL

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

A legend
What a thrill it was for me to meet Bobby Allison this past August at Food City family night, which is a huge event that kicks off the Nascar weekend in Bristol Tennessee.

Wild flowers, purple and blue

 Swaying lightly in the breeze like a well rehearsed dance

The early morning sun shining like a spot light on a stage of tall green grass

The gentle sounds of a nearby stream

Like a captive audience, the daisies yellow and pink

Like a soft lullaby it puts my mind at ease.