After his first trip to the Nascar race in Las Vegas last year, Dad has become increasingly interested in racing. When football isn't on, sounds of cars lapping a track can be heard throughout the house. Over the last 6 months Macie has also taken a liking to the sport- well, to Jimmie Johnson in particular. She waits with anticipation each weekend to hear his name and watch him drive the 48 car around the track. Recently she announced that she would be marrying him and was absolutely devastated when Mom informed her that he was married with kids.
Long story short, Dad and Macie are total Nascar fans, so Dad bought them tickets to the big race at the Phoenix International Raceway. They planned a fun 5 day trip to Arizona and were thrilled to be spending some special time together.
The week of the race finally arrived and Macie couldn't keep the big grin off of her face. Mom made sure to load the car with all the travel necessities, before sending them off on their own...
Because the race was in Phoenix, Dad and Macie were able to crash at Aunt Hayley's house! She surprised Macie with a special room to sleep in called "camp Macie."
It was pretty much the coolest room EVER. A tent, Christmas lights, what more could a little kid ask for?
Early the next morning, with thanks to Aunt Hayley, Macie dressed in one of the 3 outfits Mom made for the race and her and Dad were off to the track. When they arrived, they met up with some of Dad's friends at their party trailer
While the guys chatted, Macie had her first ginger ale...
Oh, what fun it is when Mom isn't around...
Hopped up on sugar, she made her way though the other tents, trailers, and parties, picking up free paraphernalia along the way. Everyone loved her free spirit and her verbose declaration of love for Jimmy Johnson.
She managed to get a flag,
a hat,
and a bag; not bad Macie!
On the walk Macie introduced Dad to the hip dance moves the kids are doing these days. I think Dad's head is still spinning from the experience. She began with the Whip a Nae Nae and finished with Hit the Kwan?!?!?! (Poor Dad was left wondering how Mom does it everyday in the car and has yet to go insane)
The two of them enjoyed their first day at the track!
On day two Macie wore the Jimmie Johnson dress that Mom made for Macie, and Dad bought her a hat which definitely made the outfit.
They spent the majority of the day at the track watching the qualifying races.
Sunday morning at the track was full of excitement. They got their bright and EARYL, and Macie carried the sign Mom made her with pride as they made their way in.
Macie and Dad spent the morning walking through the pits, talking with the crews, and even touring the equipment!!!
Macie was a BIG hit at the race track that day!
Poor Macie had a LONG day. The start time was delayed from 12:30 pm until 6pm that evening.
Thanks to a few cat naps on the grandstands, Macie was ready to go at race time!
Dad was sure proud of his little trooper!!!
Macie cheered for Jimmie Johnson each time his number 48 car raced its way around the track.
After a few hours Macie crashed. Mom was shocked when she heard that Macie slept through all the noise.
The rain rolled back in half way through the race, and it was called due to inclement weather. Because they had past the half point the race winners were declared due to their position when the race was called. Unfortunately Jimmie Johnson didn't place among the top winners that would be moving forward, but Macie declared that he will always remain number ONE in her heart!!!
Dad and Macie drove back to Las Vegas that following day, and were glad to be home with the family. Their trip together is one that neither of them will ever forget.
