August flew by without much excitement, other than lots of pool and/or beach time.
September 1st we took an extra long weekend and went to the NASCAR race in Atlanta. While there we celebrated out 26th Wedding Anniversary by relaxing at the Track (just the two of us). Then Cully and Janine arrived to join us for the rest of the Race Weekend.
October 2nd we went to Myrtle Beach, SC for a Gaither Fan Fest - three concerts in two days - It was amazing and so uplifting as always. We are putting this on our calendar every year for sure. We took Elani to the Pumpkin Patch and Falling Leaves in Celebration, FL and later in the month we took her to Seaworld so that she could Trick or Treat there. We had a blast. This will also become an annual event. We were in Talladega, AL for Halloween and Hallo-Dega. That was a cold, raining race weekend, except for Race Day, it was just cold! Fun times though.
The middle weekend of November we were in Homestead-Miami for the last race of 2009. What a weekend, what a way to end the season! We were fortunate to have a friend who has a friend that got us HOT PASSES for the whole Race Weekend. This means that you found us in the Pits, by the Garages and hanging out at the Haulers all weekend long. It was amazing and so much fun. We got up close with drivers, owners and pit crew members all weekend. I got some amazing pictures from inside of Jeff Gordon's pit during the race, on Pit Road before the Race and at Driver Intro's. This experience topped off our 2009 Race Season. Thanks to Cully, Diane and Dale for getting us the passes and allowing us to hang with the big shots!
Thanksgiving Weekend we were on the beach again at the Bon Aire Resort in St. Pete Beach. It was cold, but we walked on the beach and lounged around the heated pool. We had Thanksgiving Dinner with the Ealy Family and did some shopping on Friday and got lots of R&R.
November 30 Rudy has his left knee replaced and now on the road to recovery. It is a long haul, but he is on the mend and making progress very nicely. I've had to cook, clean up, do laundry, drive everywhere, help with physical therapy sessions, and keep the place running. It's been a challenge for me, but we are surviving and it will be back to normal soon.
December 23rd we will be leaving for Pigeon Forge, TN for Christmas in the mountains with Michelle and Rob. The shopping is done, presents are wrapped and the car is ready to be packed. We are looking forward to a little snow and some time in front of the fireplace or in the hot tub and more R&R. After a few days at the cabin our plan is to head to Nashville and be tourists for a few days (staying with Cully) and relaxing some more before 2010 rolls in.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who read this and our prayer is that you will come to know the Saviour of the World, that came as a babe to save the world from its sin, as we have. There is a line from a song I heard on the radio that makes me think....... "How many Gods have sent their only Son to die for me......not one". I am thankful today and everyday that God sent His Son as a Baby to this world to provide Salvation to all that choose to believe.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and we hope you have a Blessed New Year.
