Go Karts August 6, 2009

Dear Grandpa Karl and Grandma Wendy,

We had so much fun go karting! It was awesome. The only thing that could have made it better would be for you to have been there.

First of all, thanks for renting out the track. At first, I wondered if we could spend 4 whole hours there. Turns out, that was not a problem, even with the 80 mph winds and smoke from two nearby fires. We had a great time!

My brothers are mad that now they've been completely spoiled for go-karting--they'll just never appreciate renting a car and riding around with the rest of the go-karting public again.

Second, thanks for sending Goose and Wyatt. Goose had everything all set up when we go there (Wyatt was stuck in the "police incident" on I-80).

Goose taught us how to ride. Here are my brothers, Nate and Mark getting a lesson:

He kept us safe from hot exhaust pipes and applying the brake while turning.

Plus, he's an excellent teacher for the first time go-kart driver:

Jack got an extensive lesson on braking (a mother loves that).

Have you ever seen a cuter rookie than this?


I just couldn't get enough of him in that red jump suit!


Thanks for all the cold Gatorade and water.

I had no idea you could get so thirsty just driving around a track.


Thanks for the use of the trailer. It's where Katie got out of the wind with her coloring books.

We ate in the trailer too.

Wow. I know we were hungry, but the burgers Goose grabbed were so yummy! I didn't know you could eat that well in Tooele ...

Group shot: from left is Nate, Mike, Maddie, and sister-in-law Kate.

Katie was so good and patient in spite of the fact that she was too small to drive.

She thought it was okay when Mike took her for a ride in the pit, but wouldn't believe she was really "racing" until we cleared the track and he took her for a lap.

Next time, she'll be the rookie in the red suit.

Finally, thanks for having this jumpsuit; it fit Mike like a glove.

But before he can hit the European circuit, he's going to need some new footwear!

So, how did we all stack up?

Well, Mike's the fastest.


Mark spun out the most, by far.

I could keep up with Ryan at first, but by the end, he was almost keeping up with his uncles; he's a pretty good driver.


Jack took the first couple of laps conservatively, but by the end, I was having trouble passing him.


And Maddie? Well, Maddie was the Sunday driver of the group: two fisted, white knuckled, and wide around the turns--she's an auto-insurer's delight!

Here is Maddie on the left and me on the right. This photo should not be blurry, we did not go fast! The girls didn't ever really race, but I'm pretty sure my sisters in law kicked my butt.

No matter, we all had fun; really, a fantastic time.

Thanks for putting the whole thing together.

Love, Em