Welcome Home Noelle!!!

It was such a great homecoming for Noelle at the first of the month. The family all welcomed her at the airport with signs, posters, balloons and hugs. She really wanted to go for ice-cream after, but of course none of us could due to other obligations….. errands, basketball practice, shopping, etc…. Little did she know, we were all headed back to Eagle Mountain where her amazing neighbors and city were surprising her with a parade and an escort to the local elementary school where she received the first ever key to the city. It was amazing at the support she had. She was so surprised and had several police cars, ambulances and fire trucks escort her with lights and sirens on to the school. Along the way there were hundreds of people lining the streets for 2 miles with posters and signs congratulating her. We are so proud of her and happy she is back for good now!!!!

Rock Climbing

Taylor had a great time ice climbing with Phil and Tommy at Bridal Veil Falls. It is definitely a risky sport and I would probably rather not know when he goes, however, it is considered exercise and that is the bonus. Taylor was a little unsure of going at first due to his knee surgery a few months ago, but he said it was great. He has even taken a trip up snow boarding since then.

OLYMPICS- VANCOUVER 2010

Day 1


A group of 13 of us flew into Seattle airport where we rented cars and stopped by Costco for groceries before entering Canada. Thank goodness we stopped before. Food in Canada was quite expensive compared to good old Utah!!! ($9 for 2 cups of shredded cheese, $5 for a gallon of milk, $8 for 1lb of hamburger). We made it to our destination in Lions Bay where we got a first look at the amazing house we stayed in. It overlooked the entire bay and was beautiful inside. It wasn’t quite child proof so we really had to watch Lacee. John, the owner was very accommodating. Thank you!!!

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.