Road America 2nd time around!!

This weekend we went to one of our favorite places in the world, Road America in beautiful Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. We went up there on Saturday morning to meet up with Grandpa Wendell and Uncle Slade. Although Afton is only 1, this was his second time at Road America. The first time he was there he was only 3 months old. It was the annual "June Sprints", which is a very famous SCCA Club race held every year at Road America. We also stayed at the "WORLD FAMOUS" Siebkens hotel and bar. Wendell was running his two drivers, one in a class called Sports 2000, and one in a class called GT 2. We went up to help, but more importantly to hang out with him and Slade. We had a great weekend and it was a bunch of fun. Jack finished 10th in his race and Jim finished 3rd. It was fun to get away from the stressful racing life we live, and get to have good family time, and enjoy a fun, yet very competitive race weekend. Thanks to Jack and Gail, Jim, Wendell and Slade for such a good weekend!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Daddy, Happy Birthday to you! Even though I can't talk yet, I've had mom transcribe this note to you which I communicated to her through hand signals and various noises. I love you very much and you are the best Daddy there ever was! I especially like it when you teach me how to use my combine and give me baths and chase me up the stairs! It's also really fun when we play outside and I get to ride my tractor down the driveway. (oops, I guess I wasn't supposed to tell about that!) Even though sometimes I like to scratch your face and eyes and sometimes I throw my books and toys and shoes at you, I really, really love you lots and I think mom might too! Have a good day and maybe you should even drink a few bottles tonight!
Love,
Afton

Happy Birthday Afton!

One year ago, Afton Murphy Willander joined us in this world. We created this blog from the hospital the day before he was born and began this incredible journey. It brings tears to my eyes re-living the day Afton touched our hearts and lives forever when we saw him for the first time. I cannot even begin to express the love that Dustin and I feel for this little boy, far beyond anything we ever thought we were capable of feeling. I know that's cliche and ever parent says that and it used to REALLY annoy me when new moms said things like that but now I get it! Afton has given us a new purpose in life and makes us strive to be better human beings and make the world a better place. For that and many, many things, Afton we thank you!!!! Mommy and Daddy love you a google-plex!!!! (My dad used to say that to me when I was like 5...what 5 year-old knows what a google-plex is...hahaha!)

June 12, 2008

1 Year Young

So as most of you know this past weekend we went to Minnesota so I could compete in a grilling competition and more importantly celebrate Afton's 1'st birthday. The grilling competition did not go so good for me but the birthday party was a success. We had a full house of family and friends, there must have been close to 40 people that attended. Because of this Afton received a TON of birthday gifts, everything from a rocking bull, to a John Deere tractor he can ride. He got clothes, books, toys, and toys, and toys. We made a little mini Afton cake that we let him destroy and he sure did destroy it. It was fun to see everyone and we are very thankful for all of the gifts. See ya soon!!