NASCAR Racing - Biggest thrill was getting pit passes at the Phoenix Winston Cup NASCAR race in 1998 and getting to meet Kenny Wallace (in his motor home). Kenny was so nice to Dalton and autographed everything Dalton brought to him. There were not many days when Dalton did not wear his Kenny Wallace Shirt or Hat. Thank you Kenny for your kindness!

4x4 Trucks - Dalton had saved about $700 and was planning to sell his motorcycle for another $400 or $500. His dad was going to match whatever he could save. Dalton wanted to buy an early 70's Ford 4x4 (just like his buddy Keith's) and fix it up. He learned so much from Keith that he could have done everything himself. Keith, Dalton sure enjoyed being with you. You were a very special part of his life! Thank You!

Flying - Dalton would have been the next pilot in the family. He was already an expert on simulators; Falcon 4.0, Microsoft Fighter ACE and Pro Pilot. He was able to speak the proper pilot lingo. One of the thing we found in looking through his things was a "how to get your pilot's license" document he downloaded from the internet. He was ready! Dalton, Bill (Dad)), Grandpa Dalton, Mel Riddlebarger, Steve Riddlebarger, and Mason Riddlebarger all flew up to Quartzsite in Mel's plane just two weeks before Dalton died. It was a great day! Dalton got to pilot with Mel for most of the way up. Thank you Mel! Dalton also had the opportunity to fly in the vintage Stearman shown on the left. This special flight was given to Dalton by our good friends and old next door neighbors Harry and Bonnie Amster. Thank you!

Building - K-NEX, Lego's, Erector Sets, Lincoln Logs, you name it...Dalton surprised his mom for Christmas in 1998 by building a huge sign to be placed on top of our roof. The sign was made out of K-NEX interlinking plastic pieces and threaded throughout them were Christmas Lights. All of the other houses in neighborhood had signs which were put up during the holidays. There was: Love, Peace, Joy, Hope, Rudolph. Stars,,, All the good ones were taken,, not,,, Dalton surprised him mom with his masterpiece on the roof, The letters J-E-S-U-S sat on the roof at the Knauss house! What a guy!

Inventing - Dalton had lots of ideas, in fact, he submitted several ideas to the management at K-NEX for their consideration. His cousin Dave summed it up best: "Dalt the inventor, I the builder. Together we could do anything. From fixing skateboards to winning science fairs. We shared many of the same qualities and interests like cars, computers, jokes, and making new and great ideas. We also shared the love for God and the love for life. If we had a goal it would be accomplished. We could do anything together. We are like brothers. And some time when the Lord takes me, together in heaven, Dalt will invent, I will build. We love you Dalton". Thank you Dave!

Science Projects - Dalton took 1st place at his schools 1997 science fair. He went on to the regional competition held at Arizona State University where he took second place. His project (shown on left) was building a hydrofoil boat and determining the effect of different size propellers vs. battery drain. He conducted his experiment and time trials in Harry & Bonnie's (next-door neighbors) pool.

Fireworks - 4th of July was one of Dalton's favorite times. During our summer vacation in 1996, we went to Colorado where we visited Dalton Aunt Eileen and Uncle Dave. During a 4th of July party held at their house, Dalton delighted the crowd by putting on the entire fireworks extravaganza. He orchestrated everything including the grand finale. He was so proud and safety conscious.

Model Rockets - Dalton loved model rockets. He had about 10 different types in his collection including one that was able to take aerial photos, several that rotored back down to earth and a number that parachuted down.

Potato Canon - First seen at our friend "Bernie's" house, Dalton knew he had to build one. Dalton and Dad went down to ACE hardware for the necessary items required to build the potato canon. (Pictures soon)

Travel - Dalton and sister Marissa had the opportunity to travel to Europe during the summer of 1997. What an experience for a 13 and 14 year old!

Computers - From Commodore 64 to Mac from MS-DOS to Windows98 Dalton had a gift for using and fixing computers.

Bicycling

Fishing - Dalton caught his first fish at age one. He became an expert soon after. The problem then became one of lifting his catch.

Swimming

Camping

Motorcycles - Dalton enjoyed riding and working on his motorcycle. He had a used 80cc Kawasaki that he bought with his own savings. He spent many hours riding and working on it. He removed and re installed the engine regularly.