On race cars and cheerios

This past weekend we made our way to what is now an annual trip, to Watkin's Glen for the historic races. Eric and I have been going since before there were bambinos in the picture. Of course back then we brought a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine and leisurely strolled the track watching races and admiring cars. We still leisurely stroll about except this year we had a stroller carrying Mette, Otto on the loose, a chase car full of toys, blankets, a potty, food, the ergo to carry Mette when Otto took over the stroller, diapers and whatever else we could fit in. In addition this year we also brought Ben and Shannon along. In fact we made a whole weekend out of it. The kids and I headed up to the cabin on Friday afternoon while eric taught and waited here for Ben and Shannon and headed up once they made it to PA. The weather was rainy and cold on Saturday so we all spent the day lounging around in our p.j.'s enjoying the true cabin effect. In fact the cabin effect was so strong I never even thought to get out the camera, sorry about that!! Otto and Mette were spoiled with all the attention from grandparents and Ben and Shannon. To make a snugly rainy day even better we feasted on homemade soup, bread and grilled flank steak. It was pretty decadent. Sunday we got up earlier than I am guessing Ben has been in a month at least and headed to the race track. It was a glorious sunny day perfect for exploring the track. This was Shannon's first time at a race and while I don't think it was the first thing she could think of to do that day, she seemed in good spirits and was great company. Otto was thrilled to have her along if nothing else.

Otto was so excited about seeing race cars that he put on his headphones before leaving the cabin at 8 a.m. and only took them off when we told him he had to at 2:30 as we were getting in the car to go home. He wore them the whole way there in the car while requesting that we keep turning the radio up. Once at the track we went into one of the tents selling model cars and got him a Maclaren F1 car that didn't leave his grip for hours. Later he scored a Brumos Porsche GT1 and a Lexus GT1 that have been racing all over the house since we got home. Seeing real cars up close and watching them go fast in addition to new cars in his "garage" at home made him about the happiest little boy you have ever seen.

This below is my favorite photo of the day. Rarely do I capture a good smile from eric, he must not have seen this one coming. Notice, headphones on and car clenched tight to chest.

Eric, Otto, Ben and Shannon checking out the MacLaren.

Heaven.

Mette wooing Ben with her charm in an attempt to eat his camera.
The boys watching some cars go fast.
Even crew chiefs get tired and need to take a nap. Notice, headphones still in place!

So in addition to all the fun race track excitement, we have also been expanding Mette's food horizons. She is determined to feed herself and is finally starting to have the skills to actually do it. Here are some shots of her first Cheerio experience.
Sometimes they get stuck on her sleeve...
Taking no prisoners with the sippy cup.
This is Otto and I making biscuits for dinner. Fine example of things you never thought you would have to repeat, "Otto, don't lick the table". Or "Otto, stop eating flour". Still we had fun and the biscuits we delicious. How can you go wrong with buttermilk biscuits?