Robert visited for Bike Week

One of the times we look forward to most is Bike Week in Daytona Beach.  The events, the excitement, the sights, the sounds, it all breathes life into the area.  But more than that it brings us together with great friends and allows us an excuse to stop and enjoy the time.  This year Robert was able to make it up to spend some fun time with us and the kids.  Much like Thanksgiving, if Rob is anywhere near us at the time of the event he makes the drive to spend a few days with us.  Thanksgiving with Robert pre-dates our move to Daytona but that move started the all new tradition for Bike Week and Biketoberfest.  This year when I reached into my closet to put on a Bike Week shirt I was reminded of when it all began.  The shirt was from our very first Bike Week the year we moved up here "Bike Week 2000".  That was the year I met "Don Z" and a tradition was born.  Don was the first friend I made when we moved here.  He was already a fixture at the resort that I came to work for and he is one of those people that everyone know and loves.  Working for the resorts meant that we worked a lot of the events and back then the properties we worked at drew the crowds holding concerts and bike competitions.  What an awesome way to be introduced to Bike Week.  Early on Robert started coming up to visit us and it only made sense that carnival atmospheres like races and bike events would be the times he came.  I moved on from the hotels but my friendship with Don stuck.  He became one of those great friends that no matter what direction life takes us we still make a point to get together and enjoy life for a while.  That first Bike Week led to the next and the next and a tradition was born.  There are many things that can interrupt life but one thing you can count on is steak and potatoes at the Iron Horse with Don.  That 11 year old shirt is an amazing reminder of all the great times we have spent together.  2 times a year, every year, no matter whats going on, we get together to partake in a little frivolity and release the tensions of every day life.  Thankfully, Robert was able to join us again this year spending time out and about with the kids during the day and then what has come to be know as "Kristen and Her Boys" at night.  The steak is great, the beer ice cold but the memories are really what make it special.  These are absolutely the times we should live for.
Until next time.......