2009 Racing Season

In the last two races, Hannah has gotten down to the semi-finals and the quarter-finals. She is improving every time we go to the track. With a little more practice, her first win is sure to come soon. We are still looking for sponsors!! Anyone interested.......please post a comment :)!

Softball season has finally come to an end. We had a very good season. Our All-star team finished runner-up at the South Carolina District 4 Tournament. I was very proud of our girls for playing so great. This season has been alot of fun and I am already looking forward to next year. Posted is a picture of our 2009 Dixie Darlings All-star team.

Found this on the internet. It was taken by a Whitehouse photographer. It was on the national news as one of the pictures of his first 100 days in office.

Currently 12-0! and one to go! ...Finished the season undefeated 13 and 0!

Well, obviously life has been back to normal for sometime now. Still, not a day goes by that we don't talk about something from our trip. Hannah just went for her two month checkup yesterday and all was very well. The Dr. told us that we could wait for three months before our next visit. We will have to get blood work done here in town though in about six weeks.

After our Dr. visit, we met with Miss Greater Mauldin Teen 2009 Leslie Spearman who is running for Miss Teen South Carolina and Co-Executive Director of Miss Greater Mauldin Scholarship Organization Tiffany Haney. Leslie has nominated Hannah for the Miss South Carolina Child of Achievement award. She has to write a 500 word essay about Hannah before her pageant and submit it to the Miss South Carolina Organization. If Hannah is chosen, she will receive the child of achievement award and a $1000 scholarship at the pageant. This would be great. Keep your fingers crossed for her.

It's been busy since we arrived home from our trip. Hannah is playing softball for the Dixie Darlings age division of our local Edisto Sports league. I am the Head Coach of the team and we are currently 5-0. Savannah is also playing T-ball. We are looking forward to the Allstars tournament and Camp Kemo in June. Also looking forward to our local drag racing season starting soon.

Darlington Dragway is hosting a "Kids Racing for Kids" Jr Dragster race to raise money the Children's Miracle Network and McLeod hospital in Florence, SC. We are planning to attend and race in the event. We will keep you updated on everything.

Last Day in DC

This morning Hannah and I met Majority Whip and SC House Rep James Clyburn in his office in the Capitol. He sat Hannah on his couch and talked with her for a few minutes. Then he took a picture with her and let her look out of his window to see his view of the Washington Monument.

Next, we were off for our White House tour after a quick lunch. It was amazing. We got to spend quite a bit of time in the rooms of the White House. We saw the East, Blue, Green, and the Red rooms along with a few others. Then we all met for a picture on the back entrance of the White House. The back lawn has an amazing view. Once all the Champions and their families were in place for the picture, President Obama made his appearance. He took the time to shake every one of the Champion kids hands and then took a few pictures sitting in the middle of them all. He then asked the kids if they had any questions for him. One little boy stood up and asked him about health care for kids. The President laughed for a second and then gladly explained his plan for health care for kids that he is currently working on. He spoke to everyone and then invited all the kids to play on his girls' new playset on the back lawn. The President came back out to watch all the kids play on the playground. Of course, Savannah seized the moment to run over to him and shake his hand. He greeted her with a big smile and said "hey there little one" and shook her hand and she was all smiles. Unfortunately,I missed that moment with camera.

He thanked all for visiting with him today as his girls were on spring break and had left him there all alone to work.

Above are a few pics from yesterday and this morning. We have a finale this afternoon at the ESPN Zone where Mark Wills is going to perform for us as well as Miss America. I think there is going to be some other surprise there! We'll see. We will be leaving out early in the morning and will be home shortly after lunch.

This has been an amazing trip that is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I cannot express enough thanks to all that have been responsible for giving us this opportunity. The Children's Miracle Network is an incredible organization that is all about helping the kids that are our future. Everyone needs to know what this organization does for kids everywhere around the world and we were honored that Hannah was chosen to represent, Palmetto Health Hospital, South Carolina, and all of the 17 MILLION kids seen by CMN hospitals every year.

First Day in DC

Today was a great day in DC. We took a bus tour ride first thing this morning to see some of DC's attractions. We saw the Washington Monument, many of the memorials and most of the government buildings including the FBI building. Then we got off the bus in front of the capital to take pictures. It was an awesome Kodak moment for sure. I will be posting a few of the pics from today.

We then had a Capitol Hill luncheon in the Dirksen Senate Office Building where many of the state Senators were present. One of the pictures for this post is a pic of the future government officials speaking into the mics of the Senate Office Bldg or maybe NOT. Our Senator Lindsey Graham did not make the luncheon, but called us and wanted to meet with Hannah afterwards. So, we met him on the steps of the capitol after lunch for a picture.

The rest of the day was ours. We went to the Air and Space Museum (very cool) and took in a few other sites on our walk back towards the hotel. Our hotel is very nice with excellent view of Pennsylvania Avenue from our window. The girls are taking a swim as I am updating this now. Fixing to go join them.

We have been really busy. I want to say that we just got on the WIS News website and looked at the stories that have been aired. I want to personally thank Hannah Horne and Taylor for their wonderful work they did with our story. You made it so much fun and we love you! You are very good...no excellent at what you do!!!

Going for a swim and then onto the White House tomorrow. Ending tomorrow with a big celebration at the ESPN Zone. Thanks to all back home following us.

See you soon!