"Yea Daddy"

Dear Tatum,

We learned how to really stretch a day on Sunday. Something Mommy does not plan to do to either one of us again anytime soon. It was just too much on both of us. I felt just horrible having you in your car seat for so many hours while I drove, approximately 247 miles. Aunt Jamie and Michael were with us as well and just as exhausted. Unfortunately, we had two very important events on the same day to attend, Daddy's race and Aunt Michelle's Baby Shower. Here is how our day went...

We woke at 5:30am to get ready for Daddy's race in Joliet. We were on the road shortly after 7am to the track. When we arrived Grandpa Dale was already hard at work. Jason and Michelle brought Samantha out for the race. As they walked up to the trailer with her, Daddy said, "Hi Sam," and she waved her little hand. She just turned one last week. A couple of minutes later, Jason and Kylie arrived for day two at the track. Daddy was off to the grid and we headed over to a hillside spot to watch.

It was a lot of fun having company at the race all weekend. It was nice that so many friends came to watch.

On Saturday, we would say, "Yea, Daddy" as Daddy came around the race track and you would clap and wave your hands. You were so fun to watch. I am glad we were able to get some pictures of you cheering on your Daddy.

Jason B. sent Daddy an email on Monday with the following:

Tell your dad someone is gunning for his job...

Sam says: "If I were crew chief, I'd cut this many seconds off Uncle Keith's time!"

Here are some more pics that Daddy received from everyone.


Daddy had a great race and received a 2nd place trophy. We had to drive over to say goodbye as it was already 10:30am and we needed to pick Aunt Jamie and Michael up by 11:00am. We congratulated Daddy with hugs, kisses and then we hit the road. We took back roads out of the track to avoid the NASCAR Race chaos and made it to Aunt Jamie's with enough time to change you into a cute little dress.

Uncle Mike helped get all of us situated and we headed to Uncle Paul's restaurant to meet Grandma Vicki, GG, and Aunt Randi. As we were pulling up to the restaurant, I was explaining to Aunt Jamie how you would clap and wave your hands each time Daddy raced by, you must have been listening because suddenly from the backseat we heard, "Yea Daddy." Our heads whipped towards each other, with shock smeared on our faces we said, "did she?" Then you said it again and once more after that. I have only been able to get you to say it once more since. We have been working on it since, but no luck. Your Daddy would love to hear it. You are such a smart baby.

While at the restaurant we decided to feed you and Michael. We once again hit the road. Our destination was Argos, Indiana, which was a 2 hour drive. For most of the trip both you and Michael slept very well. Aunt Jamie had to jump in the backseat twice to entertain. We finally arrived to the shower. Not realizing we crossed timezones, we ended up being 2 hours late rather than and hour late. How embarrassed were we? At least we made it and we spent a little time with Aunt Chel and Uncle Dave before heading home. We ended up getting home just before 9pm. We were gone approximately 15 hours, 7 of which we spent in the car. Just too much.

Today is Wednesday and I feel we are finally back on schedule. It was a busy weekend to say the least. I am happy that we are able to relax this week. I am looking forward to Friday. It's Daddy's birthday and he has taken the day off so we can take you to the zoo. It should be great fun.

I love you baby girl.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: "How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?"