I'm going to be an Uncle!

My brother and his wife are expecting a baby next spring! I am very excited! It kinda stinks that I won't be around for it but it is still very exciting. Heath knows he has to get a web cam so I can see my little nephew or niece right away... at least he knows now.

Olympics

I had a GREAT time in Athens!!! It was a dream come true! I got to watch the best athletes in the world do what they do best! I got to hear the Star spangled Banner play 5 times and I got teary eyed with pride every time the my countries flag was raised. I watched as we won gold in the men's and women's 4x400 meter relay. I was cheering when Dwight Phillips and John Moffit went 1 and 2 in the long jump. I was waving my flag and chanting U.S.A. when our men swept the 200 meter dash! I watched Cael Sanderson defeat opponents on his way to Gold. I had my picture taken with Katie Couric and watched them film the Today show. I even got to hold the gold medal won by Kevin Burnam in the Sailing 470 event which is a two man boat that is 470 centimeters long. One of the most exciting things was the atmosphere which is a very difficult thing to describe. There was a constant feel of excitement in the air. There were thousands of people but it never felt crowded... everyone seemed to be in high spirits as they proudly displayed their nationality through flags, fake tattoos, t-shirts, face paint and hair color. Everyone was nice to each other and it was easy to get around because English is the common language. Everyone I talked to knew at least some English. People cheered for the other team a lot when Americans were competing... but that is to be expected. When you are the best, people always cheer for the other guy... I learned that being a part of the Hoxie Wrestling Team. I may not have been the best but because I was part of the team that was... people still cheered for the other guy. I saw the fireworks of the closing ceremonies on a patio overlooking the Olympic Stadium. I walked on the ground were Olympic Champions from 2500 years ago walked... I went to a beach in Marathon where the legend of the race began. I had the time of my life. The only way it could have been better is if Jen would have been there with me. I love you babe!

- footprints of Chad, 5:10 PM