Day 2

We woke up and headed into the city early to meet Noelle. We went to Robson square where we met Amanda Butterfield from KSL news for some interviews with Noelle. They also had her and Janson fly down a zip-line across the square. While we were in the square we saw the footage of a Georgian Luge sledder who crashed his sled into the track wall and died. It was very saddening and an eye-opener for all the athletes who were performing in the sliding events. We then went to the Proctor Gamble House which hosted the athletes and their families. It was amazing. They had several rooms set up for all occasions. The “pampers room” was a great big play room for kids, there was a massage and makeover room, the “Pringles room” for the older kids that had games, all you can eat chips, the wii (rock-band), and several rooms where you could eat all you want and watch any Olympic sport live. It was incredible. Taylor and I quickly scheduled our massages while the Mom’s scheduled their makeovers. While Judi was having her makeover, one of Proctor & Gamble’s employees asked if 5 of us would like to go to the opening ceremonies. It didn’t take long to answer. So Janson, Taylor, Judi, Kassidi and I rushed out the door. It was starting in 45 minutes.


OPENING CEREMONIES

What a life time experience!!! We ran all the way from the P&G house to the site of the opening ceremonies only to realize we had to run all the way around a few more blocks due to picketers obstructing the entrance. There were several policemen blocking the streets, but we finally made it and it was well worth the wait. We had some amazing seats (lower bowl). Unfortunately we were to far away to see Noelle, but the crowd and the energy was incredible when the United States team walked out. We were able to meet back up with Noelle after and walk back to the P&G house again where Noelle was interviewed by the Today show. What a once in a life-time experience!

Day 3

We were able to get a few speed skating tickets from Noelle’s sponsors and Proctor and Gamble. So Mom, Dad, Layne, Teresa and Shauna all went while the rest of us went grocery shopping, which was extremely expensive, played games, watched the Olympics and made dinner. It was a little rainy, so it was a nice change of pace. There are a few picture of the house and the view that we have outside the window. The owner of the house, John, entered a drawing to run with the torch and won it. Judi decided to try on the outfit and run with the torch (he left out for us to see). And of course, Ratachewy had to have a turn as well.

Day 4

We went to the P&G house where Noelle & Lacee went to film a commercial with Chad Hedricks and his little baby. They were able to play in the “pampers room which is a play room for kids. All of the guys went to a hockey game while the girl’s stayed back to watch the Olympics and walk around the town. We met Picaboo Street at dinner and had a few photos taken with her. We then all went back to the house to play games and watch the Olympics.

Day 5

We decided to take the day and tour around Vancouver. We headed over to Granville island where we shopped and went to an amazing market where Taylor bought fresh sea food and pastries. Judi also bought our little Olympic mascot, “Ratachewy!” He is actually very famous now. He has made it in numerous photos as well as news channels across the world. We also enjoyed having him ride outside the window while waving his American flag. We definitely got a few smiles out of people. We also went to Horseshoe Bay for lunch and more shopping. Jerry and Dale came into town and we relaxed and watched more Olympics.

Day 6

We went to the P&G house to hang out and were able to get some tickets to a women’s hockey game and Speed skating. Janson, Jayden and I headed for the speed skating while my Dad, Layne, Taylor and Judi all went to the Hockey game. They met Mitt Romney there. We then all met back at the P&G house where we ate, went shopping at the Olympic store and saw a light show from off the bay.