Soap Box Derby, Akron OH.

After several hours in the van we arrived in Akron, OH. for the All-American Soap Box Derby. While we checked into the hotal Isabelle checked out their library. Later that evening Austin took us out to see the track at Derby Downs. All I can say is it is big & I'm glad I'm not the one going down it. Although I have had to walk up the side of it twice now. Not much fun, try it with a little one on your hip. Monday morning the opening ceremonies began at 9 a.m., we arrived at 8a.m. to find a long line already there. As Mason & Ted waited in line the rest of us went to Canal Park where the ceremonies would take place. Each champion racer was brought in by a police escort, and introduced. While being introduced they signed the SBD board and threw items to the crowd. Mason was brought in around 11:30. He had several things to throw, he had balls, flashlight keychains, hats, foam corn, cups and a few Athens SBD t-shirts. After he was introduced he was taken in and recieved his SBD bag with ID & official t-shirts and other items, including a nice watch. He has to wear his ID & t-shirts to all events or he can't get in. We were all pretty tired and after lunch we all crashed at the hotel.

Some of the cars at Derby Downs in one of the storage buildings. The cars are shipped in ahead of time and inspected. If your car doesn't have anything wrong you recieve VIP, Mason's car had two bolts that had to be replaced because they were 1/4" to long.

Live radio interview via phone with WYXI in Athens, TN with our director Austin Fesmire.

While waiting for opening ceremonies the racers trade buttons with each other, we made 500 buttons to bring and trade. Mason is in the background trading with some girls. I think it was buttons and not phone numbers!

Champions in line.

Mason signing the board.

Throwing things to the crow, did I mention how crazy these people were. We saw two women fighting over a t-shirt. We did catch a few things and actually managed to get a couple of t-shirts.

securilty sundress?

Isabelle hasn't latched onto a blanket or favorite toy, but when Briana brought home this sundress that she bought her at a consignment store, she wants to wear it everytime she sees it. If she isn't wearing it she carries it around like a security blanket. She even carried it into Wal-mart the other day. Emilee couldn't believe I let her. But hey if it makes her happy while shopping, then I'm happy!

Button up close

preparing for the Derby

The All American Soap Box Derby Championship races are almost here. It is a week long event, starting on July 20 with the races on the 25th. We have been busy getting ready to leave. One of the things we have had to do is go around to local business' and ask for promotional items to throw to the crowds at the opening ceremony, (definitely not in my comfort zone). Mason also had to make 500 buttons that we will trade at the races with other racers. We all jumped in and helped and we had them made in two days. The most time consuming part was cutting the pictures in circles to fit in the machine. Here is Mason working with the button machine. Each button has 4 parts to it, and we learned quickly that they have to be in the machine in the correct order and right side up (I don't know who would of put one in wrong)!

500 buttons!!