Hello
We got to meet Kenny's sister, Tanya and her husband Chuck, and their family whilst at the Hempens. They left on the Tuesday for a 32 hour drive back to Portland Oregon. We then had another one of Roger's (Kenny's dad) carnivor dinners. It was great to have steak and pork when we have been living on mince and fastfood (McDonalds or Subway). Thanks Roger.
We left on Wednesday for a days travel to Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Michigan. Sarah opted to stay with the Hempens as there plans weren't able to fit in with Red Bud. We arrived and got settled and met our neighbour Neil and his son Lee from Ohio. We were also rudely awaken out of bed on Wednesday night when a quarter stick of dynamite went of just in front of our camper. The explosion put a nice hole in the grass and put us on edge. We caught up Neil and Lee the following night and had smores over the camp fire. Neil also gave me a lift to the grocery store as we were out of food! Thanks.
On Thursday it was practice for the amateur riders on the Red Bud pro track and racing was on Friday. Josiah got 2nd in one 85cc class (7-11 age) and 4th in another 85cc class (9-13 age group). Red Bud is an amazing track with lots of technical sections and big jumps. These include a sandy whoop section followed by the 80foot Rockstar tabletop and then the infamous La Rocco's Leap. This jump is a 120 foot triple that would send the riders at least 30 feet into the air. When the pros are racing not all of the 450cc bikes do this jump (of the 250cc class we saw Barcia case this jump in practice and not do it again). The dirt on this track is a mixture of soil and sand and gets very rough.
On Saturday we watched the pros ride. The crowd was crazy at Red Bud (you will hear the chant "Red Bud" continuously throughout the day). We cheered on Ben Townley. He was leading the first race and tipped over half way through the last lap. He got the third overall. We briefly caught up with him and Lucy as they were about to leave for the airport.
We packed up Saturday evening and started the long trip back to Iowa on Saturday night, watching the 4th July fireworks as we drove past Chicago. Chris drove until after midnight. We stopped for the night at McDonalds and finished the trip early Sunday morning. We went to church with the Hempens and after went back to their place for lunch. As it was the 4th of July it was a day of celebaration for them. We returned for the evening service and following that was a night of food and fireworks to finish off the days celebrations.
Tomorrow we head to Dirt Bike Mike's (Mike and Pam) place in Amity, Arkansas.
Hey there Natzke 5
ReplyDeleteWhat about the dynamite!!! 4th July celebrations going mad!!! Scary though! Life is full on for all ewe guys. Having a great time from reading the blogs. Keep up the good work Janine. Love reading them and then following you on my BIG map of the USA. Spreads out as big as my car bonnet. (might need new glasses to see properly - keep losing my place when the Lily jumps on for a game).
Temps in USA maybe 35-40, Hamilton 17 today - and Cromwell -1 all day!!!!!!!!! Under a fog blanket. Spend day loading the fire and turning my wood into carbon? Who cares, I am warm. Another load tomorrow to put into the garage. Driveway icy so truck might slide a bit.
Josiah doing extremely well. Working up to the peak for the Loretta Lynn finale? Stay safe, keep well, and enjoy those big dinners.
Love & big hugs to ewe all.
Granny Lyn & Lily (who is wanting to go outside and play - WHAT)
Hi Natzkes. Great to catch up on your news and to see you all together. Loved Sarah's blog. You may need to check her pockets for squirrels when she leaves. Things here are very normal. We had a sunny day yesterday. Brad is playing rep rugby at the moment and his team is doing well. Discovering what it is like to be the nervous mum on the sideline. Hope you are all well. We look forward to keeping up with your travels. Take care. Loads of love.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness its been so long since I wrote to you!!! I'm so excited to see your latest pictures and read your blog, brings a few tears reading of Josiah. oh so amazing you are a legend. You are doing so well Its so cool to see you doing so well (always knew you would of course!) Oh one I am coming to that track with you! and wow it looks like such an awesome track. And I have to say it is so great to see you altogether as a family!! YAY
ReplyDeleteLife here is pretty good not much to report, we are the ones paying a mortgage and doing the boring life lol although I have been having some pretty bad back problems and had a ride in an ambulance to hospital one morning, but with alot of prayer I am coming right (and a few drugs :-))Rachael will be 10 this week and Ellyse will be 17 (and the boys keep coming!)
Winter is relatively pleasant, not too cold and of course lots of sun in Nelson!
I remember Chris and the kids are leaving on your birthday but when do you come home? we'l be visiting Hamilton in Aug
Love you all
xoxoxoxoxox