Vrooooooom!!!!

I went to ride in the Nextel Cup car this weekend. It was a blast. Just pure fast fun! It was however, my ride so only things that happen to me happened. No one that was employed by the speedway knew about the ride alongs and the cops that were directing traffic were confused about which roads were open, so it took 40 minutes to get from 114 into the TMS. Next, the event staff had no idea where to park. Another 20 minutes.... When we finally got to the gate, we had to stand in line until way past 6 p.m.(I was supposed to sign in by then) We finally get to the right line just before our ticket time. I get dressed in the fire suit, get my helmet and stand in line again. I am the 1st in that group, so I get to choose my car. I am so excited!!! They have a number 8. I run to the car (the second woman in line wants #8 too). I get in and joke with the driver about if he's a pro? He says he's been doing it a couple of weeks! I think he joking, but the guy in charge comes over a couple of times and gives him feedback and instructions. I was starting to get a little nervous, but still ok. They give the signal to start the engines and.... nothing. It won't start. I guess it still has the DEI engine. They push start it and we almost bump the 29. (That would have been a bonus.) After we get going, it was great. There were 19 cars on the track with us. I swear we were really close to the wall a couple of times, but wow what a ride.... Everyone that loves Nascar should do it! It was loud, rough, and smelly but the best ride of my life. It changes your whole perspective about what the drivers see and do... I loved it. Thank you to Otis for coming up with the gift all on his own and surprising me. I love you....

Halloween Fun

We went to Shaunery's house trick-or-treating for Halloween. What a party... I don't know how many people were in that little neighborhood, but it seemed like hundreds. Several families gathered at Shaunery's and then took off to gather candy. I don't think many people "trick" anymore, in fact that word has a whole other meaning now. But off we went. The kids had a great time and ran around the neighborhood while parents talked and tried to keep up. Otis had a great time. Payton hung in there. He rode in the stroller again this year, but next year look out. All in all, we had an excellent time and I still believe that it is the closest thing to true Halloween around. Here is a group shot, and one of little O as the Red Power Ranger.....

More Birthday Fun

Last weekend we went to Lawton to celebrate both of the Otis' birthdays.... We have been doing this for the last couple of years and I think both of the guys look forward to it. We always have cake and presents... For Little O, it is a chance to have just one more birthday. For Big Otis, it is a chance to celebrate with family and be home. We played poker and had a great time, although this was a short trip. Football has one more weekend. So we will get to stay longer next time. Here are a few pictures of the fun.

Big Five for Otis

Little Otis turned 5 today....He has been so excited all day, it is hard to describe. He has done the "happy dance" several times. We and Mema both gave him new additions to the Geo Trax railway that he had. It is now huge and he couldn't be happier. All the new trains have names and jobs and he is quickly learning all about them. Who knew trains would be such a hit??? Any way, we had a good dinner and cupcakes to celebrate, then Mom and Dad went out to the game room and played with the trains for an hour. Of course, Otis is still out there. Bedtime will be fun..... Here are some pictures of the fun.... I also included a picture of Payton in his jeans...He had forgotton that shorts can have legs and tried to pull them off. Mom and I laughed forever....

OU!!!!

We had a small gathering for the TX vs OU game yesterday and what fun. Nothing better that a group of men loving football. I think the women would agree that the men were louder that our children ever are..... But a good time was had by all.

Otis played his fourth football game yesterday, and they won with no problem. They are undefeated. Watching the other team's coaches get frustrated and yell at their boys, made me very thankful for our coach who is patient, laid back and fun. He is so encouraging with Otis, who is one of the youngest players. He found a job for him to do, and keeps him on task so he is successful at it. What a great coach.

Payton is walking everywhere and pointing and grunting for everything. He is becoming a full time boy. But he is soooo cute. He is still very much a Mommy and Daddy's boy, but he is starting to go to others, so maybe there's hope.

We spent Sunday at Big Daddy's for his birthday. We ate and played at his new house. Little O has a tree swing there and today, that's all he wanted to do was swing.....Payton was very jealous that he wasn't old enough to swing and let us all know how unfair it was.