Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Las Vegas Part 2: Dad's GIFT

The ULTIMATE gift given in the Cambra family this year was to DAD! The gift was the thrilling experiences of driving a race car 8 laps on the professional track in Las Vegas. He basically had to sign a ton of papers and had to sit through a thorough class explanation of how the driving experience would go. We ALL were so excited to be able to be there and watch this AWESOME experience! 
All suited up in his jumpsuit. Josh, Danny, Jacie, and Mom went with him early and the rest of us showed up an hour later. We didn't want the kids to be waiting for ever.
Mom and Dad
Dad with one of the various types of cars they have out on the tracks
Josh, Payton and Scar awaiting the big moment!
Payton, Scarlett, Danny, and Mom. We did a little bit of waiting once we got there, but not that much!
Brother Josh, Josh, Scarlett, Danny, Jacie, Mom, and Stef. We brought food for these guys since they headed over to the race track early with Dad.
The group that my dad was with. They got their finally instructions in the pit and then the fun began!
Sofia just couldn't stay awake for the event!
Stef, Mom, Josh, Dawson, Mal, Dad
Dad was number 9 on the list so we got to watch a few people from his class go out. It was very exciting. 
Right before grandpa's turn we made sure to get a picture of Payton with Grandpa
Waving to us as we cheer him on! This was seconds before he got into the car. Just a quick explanation...
Each student got to drive in their own car, no one else was in the car with them, they had to follow a pacer car around the track, they had to be 3 car lengths behind the pacer car (if you saw a green light on the pacer car's bumper that meant speed up you can get closer, if you saw a yellow light on the pacer car's bumper that meant slow down your too close), the max speed anyone would get up to was 130mph, everyone had the option to upgrade at a discounted rate (the upgrade included 10 more laps and going 135-140mph).
Getting into the car. They take the steering wheel out and you have to climb through the window just like the professionals.
All ready to go! 
Waiting for the pacer car to leave so he can follow!
The experience was so amazing to watch! At the speeds these cars go they get around this track with in like 30 - 40 seconds. The whole driving experience goes by really fast.
We told my dad that if we wanted to upgrade then just go ahead and do it. We were all super excited when he decided to do just that. He said we was a lot more confident and comfortable through those 10 laps, plus he got to go a little bit faster!
Its very interesting to see them take the steering wheel out and then watch my dad climb out. He did it like a pro!
We all rushed over to him to hear what he had to say. He had the biggest smile on his face. He LOVED it!!! This was the ULTIMATE gift and we each enjoyed every minute of it with my dad!
Danny and Jacie!
The gang walking back to our cars!
Anytime Sofia was on Dawson's shoulders Scarlett had to get on Josh's. These two little girlies are just fun to watch interact with each other. Being only 4 months apart is a lot of fun!
Scarlett is my crazy child. She thinks she is so funny and does the weirdest things all the time. My mom took this picture when she was sitting by Scarlett.
My over all feeling of this day was just so fun! I am so happy for my dad that he got to do this. I am so glad we each got to be there and be apart of the thrill. Seeing the pure joy and happiness on his face was priceless. Not sure that next christmas anyone will get such an amazing gift, but maybe some day!

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