Monday, September 10, 2007

The Champions



What a beautiful fun filled day we had on Saturday!! Maddie was a "Champion" It was a great day for her to have some fun and for Scott and I to meet parents and just have fun with the kids! The day started with a parade of teams for the Soapbox Derby. They paraded around the track holding their team signs and chanting their team cheer.

We had a great time cheering on Maddie and her team in the races! They would compete against another class. The smiles on the kids faces were priceless. They all had a turn to race around the track. They would either drive or push the derby car. We are proud to announce that Maddie's team won all their races!!

Maddie's Team - The Champions


Watching her teammates

Maddie rounding corner #1

She was a natural driver - I would be smashing into the tires
Maddie was super fast at pushing!


Alex watching - wanting to have a turn



At the end of one of the races it did not take long for Alex to jump in the track to take a turn!


In between races they had games and activities for the kids. Scott and I volunteered to work at a few different booths taking tickets and filling orders at the "Tea Garden"


Anger management Booth:
Alex and Maddie hitting a car with a sledge hammer - (there were words painted on the car like lying, swearing, lazing, cheating, bullying etc.)

Alex and Maddie helping Dad take tickets at one of the booths

Alex and Maddie went to the "gift shop" and this is what they won - Alex a clock and Maddie a mouse stuffed animal. The "gifts" were white elephant gifts that parents dropped off during the week. The kids went fishing for a number and what ever gift was displayed behind that number they won. Alex has been taking his clock everywhere and makes sure to let me know what time it is. He even let us know that we were running late for church! Maddie's "gift" needs a bath and then I am not even sure it will "survive" in the house.


They had the tallest blow up slide!! But beware of the burns on your skin on the way down!!Alex, Scott, and Maddie

The highlight for Alex was the horse rides! What a smile and enjoyment on his face!! Maddie also enjoyed it.
At the end of the day (which was a LONG day 8:00am - 4:00pm) we stayed for Potjiekos (poy-kee-kawse) - food prepared in a pot kind of like a stew. It is a South Africa prepared meal. The preparing of a potjie meal I found out is an individual thing with every cook experimenting to come up with the "perfect" potjie, I also learned it is a very serious competition on who can make the best!! You do not mess with their pots. It was awesome food!!
The judges making their decision which one was the best - Lamb, chicken, Biltong, Ox-tail, and beef. Oh and note the women with the sash is a finalist of Miss South Africa!! One of the teams preparing their potjie
I had creamed chicken - I was not too daring in trying the others. I really need to step out comfort zone and try more types of food.

Dirty from head to toe!! The end of the day!! Maddie is holding up a little sign saying "Thank you for your support" Thank you to all of you who donated - Maddie had a great time and fun racing with her team!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

love all the pictures! looks like an awesome time and a great way to meet people!
-hugs to maddie & alex from aunt jen

Lis said...

Looks like you had a fantastic day together! What a ton of fun! I'm glad Maddie's Derby car was complete and that she was able to have such a blast being a part of the competition! It is great to see such bright smiles on all of your faces! Love ya, Lis

Katie said...

Way to go Maddie!!! Sounds like a fun day. Love to see all of the picts! Love ya

Anonymous said...

Looks like a blast!!! Wish I could been there cheering you on Maddie. Aunt Sara misses you guys. You all looks so happy....and it's nice to see that ocassional picture of you Lia :)
Lots of Love being sent your way!

Anonymous said...

way for me to not spell......

"occasional"

Michelle said...

Lia, why didn't you try the Ox-tail? Come on...just a little bite? I don't think I would be that daring either.
I laughed out loud when I saw Alex holding that clock ;) I thought what in the world is he doing with that purple clock?... they both looked so happy, that day looked like something your family would participate in here in the USA. Glad you are staying busy with fun!

Anonymous said...

Sure looks like you had a fun-filled day! Way to go Maddie! I'm with you Lia - I would have gone with the chicken too! You sure are bonding as a family, aren't you!! It was SO nice to talk to you and see you on Skype today!!! Love ya! Aunt Marva

Anonymous said...

Yeah, Maddie! It sure looks like a fun day for you and your family. You must have been a fast pusher and a great driver! Your mom does a great job of posting pictures of you and all the fun things you get to see and do. It's really nice that Alex got a prize, too. He looks very proud to have that clock all for himself :)
Sending love!