Hi everyone, Jim here. I am back in town and wanted to take a moment to write a quick blog before I leave again tomorrow for Vegas. A few days ago, after driving the rig from Houston to Vegas, I had the pleasure of boarding an airplane in Vegas and four hours later I was back home in Virginia. I know I used to complain about airport security lines, crowded terminals, and oversold flights, but let me tell you, after driving the rig from coast to coast I don't think I will ever take air travel for granted again.

I had time to read a book, play with my computer, and organize my briefcase. I certainly can't do that driving down the road and most importantly I got home in time for Easter weekend.

It was so nice to be home for Easter. My family always gets together at least twice a year -- Christmas Eve and Easter Brunch -- and we always have a great time. Jamie and Cynthy were on vacation this year and Jon had to stay at Clemson as he has exams this week, but fortunately we had Melissa and her cat Emma for the weekend.

Melissa, Toni and I started our Easter Sunday by attending Easter Services at the Burke United Methodist Church and then joined my family at the Hyatt for Easter brunch. My brother John and his entire family were there, as well as my brother Jason and his family, so all-in-all I think there were about 12 of us. Brunch was served from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and luckily they gave us a big table in the back of the room out of everyone's way. Maybe they had heard about us from Easters past. We spent a lot of time standing, talking, eating, and taking pictures and typically are the "closers" of the Easter Brunch. In fact, I think we finally left the hotel ballroom around 4 p.m. and that was only because the hotel staff were rolling tables around and removing chairs trying to give us a clue they wanted us out of there.

Well, we still had plenty of things to talk about so we moved our family get-together to a nearby restaurant where we told more stories and, if you can believe it, ate more food. I even got a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Finally around 9 p.m. my 11 year old nephew Jake reminded us he had a paper to finish before going to school Monday morning so we did the responsible parent thing and called it a day. If it hadn't been for that I think that we would have been there until that restaurant closed down.

I love getting together with my family. Although I talk to my brothers regularly I never get a chance to visit with my sister-in-laws and my nieces and nephews. We did get some very exciting news during the course of Easter day. My niece Amy and her husband Steve brought plans for their new home they are building and my other niece Joanne and her husband Walter called from New York to let us know that they are expecting their first baby in September! So it was truly a blessed day.

Well, Toni and I catch a plane back to Vegas early in the morning. Since I already organized my briefcase and updated my computer I guess I will have to buy another book to read on the flight. I just heard from Jamie, who is already at the track, and he has parked the rig, washed it by himself, (Gosh I love that kid!) and was looking for a place to drop off laundry. He's my hero. Unfortunately, Jamie told me not to get too used to being a "fly-in guy." I guess he told me.

I have attached some pictures of our Easter get together and hope that you enjoy them. I will probably write again after the Vegas race. Thanks so much for checking in.