Bugs Palace!

All I’ve got to say is thank you. Thank you to my parents for an incredible week. My Mom and Dad took Donna, Katie, Grant, Shannon Chewie, Bekka and myself on a fantastic family trip to Kissimmee Florida for March Break this year. It has been about 10 years since we all went away on a family vacation. I’m pretty sure I speak for everyone when I say we had a fantastic time. The weather was great, Disney Parks never dissapoint (even when you get rain on the one visit), and all in all everything was super.  Thanks for everything guys.  Pictures to come. A lot of them. Hopefully by this weekend. 

There is sooo much more I could say, but I will leave it short and sweet this time. Mainly cause I’m still tired from the trip.

EDIT HERE Are the photos from Florida. If you got 6 months, feel free to check them out. They are broken into 3 groups. Moms camera, Grants camera, My camera.

Wow, some real progress going on with the beetle over the past week or so. I’ve spent a whack of money on parts and materials which are needed to proceed with the restoration. Last weekend, I was able to get Paul over to finish up the paint work in the boot and engine bay area, and Brian came over on Sunday to teach me how drum brakes work. Now I see them in action, its pretty straight forward. Seeing how little road time this car will actually see, I wonder if I will ever need to do another brake job. Coming along somewhat quickly now. Once the parts show up, things should go even quicker. Pics and detailed right up are HERE on my restoration page.

Mini got a new engine damper installed this month. Took me about half an hour to do. Very straight forward install. And worth while too. Shifting feels so much firmer, and accelerating feels more planted. Sounds odd, but it feels good when the go-pedal is being pushed firmly. I would say modification wise, the MINI is pretty close to complete. Over the next couple years, I’d like to add a Milltek header and some GIAC programming but thats about it. Otherwise, I’m very happy with the car, and will just drive it until its paid off

Shannon has been a spoiled girl so far this year. Her windows are now tinted 20% all around, fog lights have been installed, and her new Eibach springs are sititng in the garage next to her 18″ wheels, waiting for spring so they can all be installed. Cosmetically, I would say the Jetta is complete. Now all she needs is a chip and downpipe for performance, and it will be as fast as it looks. Then again, its already pretty quick now.

Well, the beetle is coming along slowly but surely. Sound proofing, and other small tasks are completed. I’m waiting for one more little thing from Paul and then I can get back to working on the wiring, engine, and all the other millions of outstanding tasks.

MINI got some upgrades this month. New running lights are installed, and so is an Ipod adapter. Now I can see clearly where I am going, and and listen to even more good tunes along the way.

Shannon’s a little closer to her goals with the Jetta. The GLI Grill is installed, and looking pretty sweet if I do say so myself. To add to that look, Grant and I made a small.. 11 hour road trip to Scranton PA, to trade her factory 17’s for some big, blingin’ GTI 18″ wheels. She also has an iPod adapter to be installed. Tint and a drop and the car will be done.

Xtacy is finally back on the road again. The 240SX passed his safety test. Nice to see the drift-beast up and on the road where it belongs. Curious how long before it ends up in a guard rail from an over zealous tail end.

Lastly, Mom and Dad have FINALLY bought a new vehicle. Well, new to them anyways. Guess what they replaced their blue Astro with. Thats right@! A newer blue Astro! Its in really good shape, runs well, and will hopefully get them ALL the way to Florida this March AND keep them dry when it rains.