Sippin' and Dippin' - It's A Southern Thang

One of my goals for the summer, if you can call it a goal, was to take Sullivan to Bowman Gray Stadium, home to “Nascar’s longest running weekly track”. When we went in July, I didn’t know what to expect.

It was definitely a local crowd - there to support local racers, which to me had a refreshing feel to it. Plus, I didn’t think twice about calling Sullivan by his nickname, Bubba. We were entertained by six races ranging from 15-25 laps on the ¼ mile oval track. The night featured races including the Modified, Sportsman, Street Stock, and Stadium Stock divisions.

Sullivan had a blast. For three hours, he sat attached to his seat taking it all in. On the way out of the stadium a man was wearing a t-shirt that read, “Sippin’ and dippin’, it’s a Southern Thang”. It was then I knew we had to come back.

So we did for the final race night of the season in mid-August. We brought along our good friend John Justus (Mr. JJ to Sullivan). We decided to have a little pre-race tailgate with fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad, hush puppies and ice cold beer.

The night featured a 150-lap Modified race for the season points title. JJ and I anticipated a boring race as the short track does not lend itself to much passing. And for 144 laps we got what we expected. I passed the time counting Lynard Skynard t-shirts, waving second hand smoke out of Sullivan’s face and buying some funnel cake.

Burt Myers (#1 orange and black car) led the race for 144 laps when his nemesis Junior Miller sent him into a spin in the North turn. When the race restarted the officials decided Myers was in last place. Myers patiently waited for Miller. As this video shows Myers doesn’t like finishing last and he doesn’t seem too thrilled about Miller either. Kids don’t try this at home.

Apparently, Myers and Miller have a little bit of history. This next video gives you a taste of that and shows that Junior is not that much of a junior, if you know what I mean.

After showing these videos to Carol Anne my new goal for the summer of 2009 has already been established. That goal is to convince CA to let us return to Bowman Gray.

Boogie, Bikes and Barns

Summer is almost over and Sullivan and Carrigan have been busy making the most of the precious days they have left before school starts. (Sullivan starts preschool on September 2nd.)

The kids participated in their first Kindermusik class. They sang, played instruments and danced with several other kids. They were especially gifted in the scarf waving event (see above). I believe the 12 year-old Chinese gymnasts have inspired them to achieve greatness at a young age.

They both have enjoyed riding their bikes but have several "boo-boos" to show for it. Sullivan likes to practice wearing his helmet in the house and when we are in the car, he points out those on bicycles and motorcycles who are not wearing their helmet. Carrigan hasn't quite mastered the tricycle yet, but she is close!

Recently, on a trip into town, we stopped at the nearby dairy farm to take a picture in front of our favorite barn. Carrigan was afraid the animals were going to come out of the barn and bite her. Sullivan assured her that the animals had been moved to their new barn.