What a GREAT WEEKEND!

Talk about a fun-filled weekend! A great MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Finally Matt was able to use 1/2 of his wedding present from me!!! We went to Joliet Speedway for his RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE on Sunday. What a great day! Here is a run-down of some details from the day!

When arriving at the speedway, we were instructed to go to the middle of the track where all the garages and pits were! That was pretty stinkin' cool. I'm not really a huge race fan, but that was cool to be in the middle where Dale Jr. and many other drivers have been and where their cars and semi's are. So, we parked there and walked around a little bit... got him signed in and then were able to watch some other people do the driving experience or the ride-alongs. At 1:00 his class started and those took place inside one of the garages. (Man, I will say... those garages are cleaner than I ever expected!) The once the instructions were done, it was time to start. There were about 12 people... so they made a list of who was going to go when. Matt was #7!

They constitantly keep sending cars and rotating people in and out. So, it was finally Matt's turn. The way that they do this is that they follow and instructor. They are supposed to stay 3/4 car lengths behind. Matt did a wonderful job, leaving pit row he didn't stall (like one person did), he didn't lag behind like a couple of other people did, he did a great job. When he got out he had a super big smile on his face and was ready to go again!!!!!! It was so great to see him that happy and that he had a good time!!!!

After everyone was done with their races, it was time for their "award ceremony." Finding out who went fastest! Well, they first called up the 1st top 5 guys, then kicked two off "American Idol" style. Then they announced the top 3 in order. MATT CAME IN 3RD!!!! YEAH!!!! His fastest lap was 139mph! WHOA! (Just 1 mph behind the 1st place guy!) Good Job Babe!

Both of our parents came out and sister Amy and the 2 boys did too! Overall, it was a very fun day, we even went for ICE CREAM AFTERWARDS!!!! YUMMMMMMM!!!!

Here are some photos:

In the middle of the track *(garages/pit row!)*

Matt's badge for the Rookie Experience

Looking studly

Getting in the car

Leaving Pit Row

"I wanna Go FAST!"

Great Job Baby!

"Whooooowhooo! I wanna go again!"

He got 3rd in his class.... going 139mph!!!!!

Then Memorial Day... we had a little shin-dig here at our house! Even though it was a little spotty with rain, it was a beautiful day out!!! (I wish I would have taken some photos!! Darn!!) It was fun to the see the childhood guy friends be kids again, playing bean bags, hitting golf balls into the field behind our house or play wiffle ball!!! It was a great day with friends!