Busy Summer

Hi all, Scott here again. Laura is sleeping sound so I thought I'd take another shot at updating the blog. We have had a busy summer so far, so I'll just highlight the activities of the last three weekends.

Over the fourth of July weekend Laura and I headed over to Aylmer, Ont. for a family reunion on my mom's side. We celebrated my great-grandma's 100th birthday (it's actually coming up in December, but who wants to travel then?)

Oma (Dutch for grandma,) Laura, and I

My bro and sis-in-law - Jeremy and Marilee (plus the twins!)

1/8th of the family...and the only Americans!

It was nice getting to see everyone again, and neither Laura nor Marilee had met most of the people before so it was nice that they got to see more of the fam...

The following weekend Laura, her dad, and I headed toward Chicago to attend her cousin Charles's wedding. It was my turn to meet a new person or two, although most of the people were new to Laura, too.

Charles and Christina

Cousin Joy

Myself with a very tropical Laura

On Sunday we got to see the dedication of Adalynn which was super cool! :) May God hold you in the palm of his hand, Adalynn!

And finally, but certainly not least, we come to this past weekend (and yes...my main motivation for posting today). :)

This past weekend the whole fam went camping at Hayes State Park. It rained...and rained...and rained. And was muggy. And mosquito(y?) But, it was nice just to have some time to relax and spend with the family. And on Sunday, we got to do one of the coolest things anyone can do...drive a real NASCAR car on a super speedway! Some of the pics from that day are below....you can also see them (and more) at Laura's Flickr account.

Nemo demonstrating the wet weather



The racers (ok, drivers!)

Rusty ain't got nothin' on me!

Me and my loving, patient, and sun burnt wife! I love you, babe! :)

Creig and the kids before his drivin' the #8

We look way cooler in safety suits!

Me climbing on in

Woo hoo...pushin' 150mph!

Some of the very patient and loving fam!!

The driving experience itself was intense. I pretty much thought I was going to die the first couple laps. The next couple laps were spent regaining composure and realizing that the car sticks really good. And the last lap or two were spent thinking...I can do this, and this is super cool! Laura and I are already hoping to go back someday...this time, Laura is also going to be driving, though! :)

A big THANK YOU to Mom and Ed for an amazing weekend and experience. Your gift was/is greatly appreciated!!!

Well, that's it for this blog. Now to see if it actually posts.

-Scott