Much Needed Gathering Post

Well, we survived.  Our Gathering weekend was two weeks ago and I have completely neglected posting updates.  I have to admit, our family was extremely busy in our preparation.  It really started back in February when I volunteered to host.  I signed contracts, talked with many managers, general managers and sales persons.  I made some great decisions with some venues and not the so great with others, but I am human. :) 

Drag Car at DSR

On Wednesday, I had made a special meeting with the Glatt family.  We met  at ORP (O'Reilly Raceway Park).  We were given a "back of the house" tour of the Park, drag strip, and racetrack.  I am someone that lives in one of the biggest racing capitals of the world and I have no interest in cars but the Park was really exciting.  Craig, our tourguide, showed us all the specific details of each track, what everything is, why it is, and where it all happens.  The Mr. Glatt was very excited and Christopher loved the tractor.  It was exhilarating watching their son's excitement.  After we finished our tour, we came to pick up Eva and Abigail and then I surprised everyone with an in house tour of Don Schumacher Racing Team's warehouse.  We arrived and Amy, our tour guide, took us to a behind the scenes of the cars.  There were so many cars of different stages of life there, from just the frames, just engines, the fiberglass cases, a brake shop, mechanic trailers, pink cars, yellow cars, stacks of tires, mufflers hanging from the walls, and so much more in at least 30,000 square feet of space.  It was almost overwhelming.  When we were leaving, there was two drag cars in the lobby that I just overlooked.  It was really something.  We left the warehouse and headed to the hotels.  I had a few more welcome bags to deliver and wanted to make sure the hotels were ready for arrivals.  That night, we met at Stone Creek Dining Company for the early families.  There were eight families that joined us.  It was just amazing to have already eight families!  We chatted, cried, hugged and talked some more, oh and dinner was awesome. 

Eva and Dr. Koolen

Feeling a bit guilty without the girls but,
we had a great time!

Thursday was waterpark day. Scott and I were feeling guilty because we were kid free but we were able to enjoy the other families that were there.  Because the hotel's waterpark was closed, we went to Monon Park.  I have to admit, it was far better than what the hotel could offer.  There was this really cool surf wave.  I sat there watching so many of our Kool Kids surf.  Just amazing!  I left about just after twelve to pick up Dr. Koolen from the airport.  Just before he came through the security gate, I noticed a cute little boy in a stroller that looked familiar.  Sure enough, it was Ox!  I was thrilled to meet the Cooper family and felt like a Gathering welcome crew.  I didn't need to do say much to convince them to wait on Dr. Koolen's arrival so we all waited about 5 minutes and there he was.  He pointed out at me, gave introductions, and went for luggage.  This moment for me was surreal.  It was all happening.  I had a moment and I was loving every minute of it and then knowing that it was only going to get better. 
To be continued...