logan, carsyn, & maren: Indy 500 Weekend...

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Indy 500 Weekend...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...no, really! It's been five years since we've owned a home in Speedway, and every May we miss that. But, it's always great to be able to travel back for the festivities--and of course the race. After school Friday we drove to Indianapolis to Kathy's house. That night we went out to eat--party of 11.

Ready for dinner...

Saturday morning I woke the girls (and Barry) up early to go over to the track for our annual picture with our favorite driver, Tony Kanaan. Apparently I'm the only one who cares about upholding that tradition. But once we got there, everyone was in a better mood. The girls got to see Tony, and we even met his sister...very nice!

Waiting in line...

The girls and TK...

Indianapolis Motor Speedway--Racing Capital of the World...

Afterward we went back to Kathy's to see some of our old friends. Kathy (Carsyn's Godmother), Marce (Logan's Godmother), Nicki and I went to grade school together, and we've kept in touch all these years. The kids had such a great time playing together, while all the mom's (and grandmas) chatted.

Maren and Logan...

Carsyn and Macy...

Lyla, Macy, Logan, Maren, Logan, and Carsyn...

The whole bunch...

Kathy, Marce, Me, & Nicki--friends since first grade...

Later Saturday afternoon we went over to daddy's aunt and uncle's house to see family. The girls always love seeing their cousins. Right after that we went over to Mass at St. Chris--another of our race weekend traditions--and we got to chat with Fr. Mike after church. Following Mass we all headed back to Kathy's for a nice, quiet dinner. We decided against making the annual walk down Georgetown this year...I'm sure we didn't miss much. Instead, we went over to aunt Linda's house to see more family--including Grandpa Joe who is getting ready for another 12 month tour in Afghanistan.

Cousins...

Carsyn and Tommy...

The girls and Grandpa Joe...

Sunday morning=race day=greatest day of the year. I love waking up on race morning. I always get so excited with anticipation that I have butterflies in my tummy, and get goosebumps just thinking about it. After eating breakfast, slathering the girls in sunscreen, and packing up our food for the race, we were out the door. We had an easy drive over to 13th street (our old street). Fred had our parking spot waiting for us, and after making everyone go to the bathroom "one more time", we were walking over to the track. We really lucked out in the weather department this year! It was supposed to be near 90, but in never really felt that hot. There were plenty of clouds and a nice breeze...perfect for the 100th anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500. It also allowed the girls to watch more of the race than ever before. Carsyn and Maren stayed for the first 65 laps before Nana took them out to their shady spot behind turn one. Logan stayed until after the 100th lap. And they all came back at about lap 145 for the rest of the race. Pretty good for them! Of course we were cheering for Tony (and were happy with his fourth place finish), but another of our favorites won--Dan Wheldon. It was a great race, always is. We had a great weekend and saw tons of family and friends. Thanks to our hosts!

Carsyn looking over the fence at Fred's to Nana's old house...