Let's Go Racin'!

Keaton had the opportunity to spend some quality time with his dad so he graciously volunteered to write this post. I'm wondering if he felt like he was back in school again writing a report.

Going fast and turning left.  Life has certainly been flying by since Dad’s diagnosis in December.  It’s actually been more like the windiest of road courses than the conventional circle track we are all accustomed to. Thankfully we were able to get away and spend time at the racetrack--a place where some of the best memories with dad were created.

Our good friends, the Benson’s, invited Mom and Dad to stay with them in Phoenix and go to the NASCAR race.  Understandably so, Mom was feeling stressed after her travels and, with another day full of appointments on the horizon (Friday), she didn’t feel that it was feasible for her to go. Not wanting Dad to miss out on such an opportunity,  I “volunteered” to fly down with Dad to attend the race and spend some time with the Bensons. Truthfully, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up.  It was quite fitting that we spend time with the Bensons at a racetrack, since we had spent countless weekends with them at the go-kart track when Brennan and I were growing up.  So many memories, with many more made over the weekend.

Thursday, March 10
We flew out of Minneapolis leaving a beautiful 50+ degree spring day but smiling knowing we would be landing in a very pleasant Phoenix evening.  Yes, Dad managed to drive himself to the Cities on his own. He is thrilled to be driving again. This trip was the first time Dad or I had flown Southwest airlines, which brought a little confusion and frustration, but we landed safely in Phoenix.  Dave and Lonna met us at the airport (apparently we picked the busiest night of the spring to fly in) but Dave patiently navigated the traffic and took us back to his mother’s condo.  We spent the night telling stories, catching up and reminiscing while preparing for the busy weekend ahead.

Friday, March 11
We left the condo in the morning to pick up Brennan from a much calmer Phoenix airport.  Although Brennan had already made a trip to Phoenix to visit his parents a few weeks ago, we were thrilled he was making the trip again to spend time with us. From the airport, we headed out of the city into the desert towards Maricopa, AZ.  Dave was quite excited to take us to a dwarf car museum, and for good reason.   The museum, which to the naked eye isn’t much more than a shed with junk around it, turned out to be astonishing.  We spent a few hours looking at the completely hand built 11/16 scaled cars and listening to incredible stories from the man behind the creations.  The time and patience he put in to building those cars was amazing.  We then drove back into Scottsdale to check out more cars (what a surprise, right?)  at Roger Penske’s museum and dealerships. We looked at (but were sure not to touch) Lamborghini’s, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce, and other expensive, exotic cars. Before heading back to the condo, we drove around some incredible houses before a quick swim and an excellent Lonna-prepared meal.


Saturday, March 12

Early Saturday morning, Brennan and I set off on our own adventure.  We made an attempt at climbing the Camelback Mountain, which could be seen out the back door of the condo. Although we didn’t make it to the peak, we witnessed some amazing views of the cities and surrounding mountains. 

After our hiking adventure, the "boys" took off for the Xfinity race.  Saturday was a warmup day to see how dad was able to do at the race, in the sun, and out walking around in a large crowd.  One of the instructions Dad and I both got was “make sure you wear sunscreen.”  I saw Dad sneak off a Snapchat to Mom as proof he had applied sunscreen at the track.  Good thing Dad was looking out for both of us to keep us out of trouble. (Mom interjection here...this was the first time Kevin's shiny bald head was being exposed to the warm Phoenix sun so I was worried.  I wasn't along to nag--I mean remind.) Although the race was a runaway win by Kyle Busch, we were all reminded why it is

so fun to be at races in person.  Nothing beats the sound, smell, and feelings you get by being there in person.  Post-race we spent some time checking out the new Chevy vehicles at their display, and opening every door in $300,000+ motorhomes.  Dad was still doing really well after all of those adventures, so on the way back from the track we stopped to pick up Adam Wilcox so we could all see him while we were in town.  I was very thankful to get to spend the evening catching up with Adam.

Sunday, March 13
Boogity Boogity Boogity!  Let’s go racing!  Dad did so well on Saturday, that there was little concern for making it through the bigger race with larger crowds.  We left for the race at 9 am, and made it with very little traffic.  We spent the morning checking out the booths at the racetrack before heading in to our seats.  We had a great view sitting in turn 1, for a great race and an outstanding finish!  It was a blast to watch and listen to our favorite drivers running well and battling it out to the end.  The race itself is a memory that none of us will be forgetting anytime soon.  When we got back from the track dad had to “check in with the bossJ” (or catch up with his lovely wife) so Brennan and I jumped in the pool to cool off from the Arizona heat--rough life.

Monday, March 14
After an awesome weekend with great friends, we had to fly back to Minnesota.  Again, we didn’t have the Southwest thing figured out, but we both made it back safely so we could get back to work on Tuesday. (For those who haven't flown Southwest, they do not have seat assignments.  You just pick a seat once you board.  Because of this, Kevin and Keaton were not able to sit together on either flight.  Crying kids and an extra large seat mate made the flight less than enjoyable).

The weekend went far too fast, but again reminded us we have so much to be thankful for.  We are so grateful for:

• Amazing friends like the Benson’s who provided us with the opportunity to stay with them and go to the NASCAR race.  Thank you does not go nearly far enough for the amazing weekend they gave to us.
• Dad’s health allowing me to spend time with him doing things we love.
• God’s grace for providing us with time together and getting the opportunity to see more of his great creation.