4th July Festivities and two wins

This month just seems to be whizzing past.

So much has happened in the past 2 weeks!

Chris and I have celebrated our 2nd 4th of July in the States now. Wow, and what a different scenario to last year. This time last year, Chris and I went to the celebrations in Clement park, across from where we lived. I remember sitting in our chairs, listening to a local band and then watching the fireworks not knowing a soul. This year painted a very different picture.

Chris got invited to the Rocky's Baseball game at Coors Field, by the Rocky's marketing manager, Billy. We were privileged enough to be in the Rocky's box, drinking wine, eating great food and watching the game. Afterwards, we were lead through the stadium, seeing where the team practice and where their locker rooms are. No ladies, I was not allowed inside, but I did ask.

Front entrance to Coors Field

Stadium packed to capacity - 50,000 people

Te unveiling of the flag, always an emotional feeling when they sing the American Anthem

We were then lead onto the field, to watch the most amazing fireworks display, in front of 50,000 fans. What a experience.

Chris and I on the field in front of 50,000 fans

I even get a hug from Dinger, the Rocky's mascot

Fireworks!

The next day, we spent the day enjoying 4th July celebrations in our own neighbourhood of Coventry. There was a big barbeque, swimming comps and races for the kids, and I even entered the cake baking comp, where I won 2nd prize for the most patriotic cake. It was a cheese cake, decorated with berries in the style of the American flag.

That evening, we went over to our amazing neighbours, Christina and Scott for another barbeque, and the all walked over to our little lake to watch the neighbourhood fireworks.

My winning cake - 2nd plac

All the other cakes entered into the competition

Going to the babeque for some food

The kids having fun at the pool

The Sunday we spent the afternoon at the Golden Gate Reserve, where we had a picnic at the most scenic and serene park. Next to a river, with mountain views, Golden gate is near Golden, and offer hikes, picnic and camping, in the mountains. It's always great to get out of the city.

Chris and I return to do the 4 hours hike, one of many in the area.

During the week, I had to do my speech number 5 at Toastmasters. I was wrecking my brain to think of a good topic to do my speech on. After much deliberation, I decided to speak about blogging, the pro's and con's, my love for blogging etc. And I won! Yes, I won 1st place, my 2nd win of the week. I even inspired a fellow Toastmaster to start blogging about his hiking 14'ner mountains, that he started his own blog and thanked me personally for the inspiration. Thanks Ron. Check out Ron's blog at: http://rockyhiking.blogspot.com/

Other than drinking and eating so much, I have been trying to get into the swing of things for my new career. My licence and business cards should arrive this week, so then I can start doing business and selling some houses.

This weekend, Iwan and Liezl came to visit. We had a braai in the afternon, and later Scott, Christina and little lucy joined us. Iwan, Liezl, Chris and I then went across to the infamous Irish Festival again. The very same one that got me so intoxicated last year. This year things were a little less crazy. Iwan and Liezl stayed over and ts morning we enjoyed an amazing breakfast out on the patio, on a very hot summers morning. I later went and assisted with an open house (same as a show house for the South Africans).

This week is going to be a crazy one, lot's of training, work wise and gym wise. i am back into some hard training and have hd some very sore muscles for the last week. My parents are flying to SA on Thursday, have a good flight guys!

Chris and I are also the very proud Godparents of our little niece Sarah, who's having her Christening this coming weekend. Sarah we love you loads and wish we were there. Big hugs and kisses for you!