Knotts Berry Farm July 2008

Comerica Bank had this years company picnic at Knotts Berry Farm. We had a great time. We spent most of the day walking around the park and the kids were able to get on several rides. There were a lot more Comerica employees there than I thought there would be; about 1000. We mingled, ate dinner and the kids played games. Oh, and those aren't real pirates, that's just Seth and I with our faces painted.

Hunter's First Moments

Anytime a family has a new addition on the way there is always some anxiety and excitement. Before the child is born we try to imagine what they'll look like, but ultimately all we really hope for is that they're healthy. It seems funny to me that the more children you have the more exciting the experience is. The moment you see them and hear their cry a bond is formed that just can't be described. Instantly and mysteriously your love for that new child is equal to that of the other children who you've spent years with. Hunter's arrival was a great example of that. He arrived on February 7, 2008 weighing 8lbs, 4oz. and measuring 20 inches long. When Hunter was born we already knew what to expect so we were better able to take in the wonder of those first few days. When your first child is born, I think it is such a major adjustment that it's hard to step back and appreciate the moment. I really don't know why we try to imagine what our children will look like before they're born. Maybe it's because when we have that first glimps of our new baby we can say to ourselves, "he's nothing like I imagined; he's perfect." This is one of those few times in life where you're truly in awe of the wonder of life, the majesty of God and the power that one event can have, the birth of a child, to bring you closer to your God, closer to your spouse and closer to your family. And hopefully, times like this, trigger something in you that helps you become a better father, a better husband, and a better man. Praise God for His mercy, his forgiveness and His great love.

Galatians 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…

NASCAR 2008

In February 2008 NASCAR was at California Speedway in Fontana, California. I decided to take Justin and Seth to Saturday's Nationwide Series race. We were at the track for a few hours before they announced that the race was being postponed until after the Sprint Cup race on Sunday. Both races on Sunday ended up being postponed again until Monday because of the rain. I had just gotten laid off from work the week before so I wasn't working that Monday, and I also found out that the $20 ticket I purchased from a scalper was good for BOTH races on Monday. We had a BLAST!!! It's hard to describe the sound of those cars roaring around the track at almost 200 MPH; you can literally feel it. Oh, by the way, kids under 12 get in FREE, so next year I hope to take a few of the cousins and their dads if they want. RSVP ASAP!!!