Riding Shotgun

Sweatshirts... Turtlenecks... Hot chocolate... Not exactly the first things to come to mind in August. But this is Wisconsin. Summer is just a word and, as long as it's not raining, Friday night racing goes on.

Carter had invited Harry, a Kidz Camp friend, over for the night so we knew that we were heading to Golden Sands Speedway -- even if the forecast called for mid-40-degree temps. We're tough enough, right?

I just made sure they both had long pants on and a sweatshirt. Our friends Mike (the other Coach Buttermaker) and Christine met us there with their son Nate. We were all bundled up for a night of fun. Here are some moments to remember:

The handsome soon-to-be 6th-graders (from left): Nate, Carter and Harry. Look out, girls!

Tonight was Kids Night at the races. This meant that kids could ride a few laps with their favorite driver. Carter and Harry were lucky enough to ride with Colin Reffner! Carter squeezed into the middle and Harry (seen above) held on for dear life at the window seat. He wasn't hanging out this far the whole time. This was right before they got some help getting out of the car after the "very cool" ride!

Can you tell by their expressions they had fun?

We visited Colin in the Pits after the races so the boys could get another close-up view of the car they rode in. Colin was busy signing autographs as usual. Although he did not win the feature, he is still hanging onto a slim lead in the points race. Just 3 races left this season.

We forget sometimes what an exciting summer this is for our nephew, who by the way, just got his driving permit this week! But as we bragged him up to our overnight guest, we were reminded how darn cool this whole thing has played out. Quite the summer to remember for a 15-year-old and our entire family!