Classic way to Spend the Day

While I was in Russia, Taylor found a few fun things to do with the kids and stay somewhat sane. They went to classic skating where they were able to play on all of the fun bouncy equipment and foam pits. While moms away, the kids (and dad) will play!

OLYMPIC ADVENTURE DAY 10: Monday, February 17th

Mom and I decided to be adventurous since we had a few hours before our flight out of Moscow. Actually Mom tagged along because she didn’t want me going alone. So we scheduled a cab to pick us up and take us into the city bright and early. Traffic was terrible. It took us an hour to get to the Red Square. Mom was worried about our time, so we quickly walked through Red Square, grabbed a couple souvenirs and went to grab another cab back to our hotel. Unfortunately, they hiked the prices up to almost double what it was to go to the city. So while we tried to get a cheaper price with a taxi cab driver, another one came along and said he would take us for a fair price. It wasn’t until we were in the car that we realized he was not a taxi driver. Just a regular citizen. We were a little nervous because we had all of our money and passports on us. But thank goodness, he got us to our hotel without any issues. It was a long flight back to Utah, but glad to be home and happy we had such an amazing experience in Russia!

OLYMPIC ADVENTURE DAY 9: February 16th

Our flights were scheduled for Sunday evening. So Noelle was invited to go to church at a branch in Sochi. Mom was a little nervous about venturing out of the security bubble of Adler. They had a filming crew there that were producing a small clip that was going to be shown in-between conference sessions in April. Although we did not understand the language, we could definitely feel the same spirit we felt at home. Then we drove to the airport and said our goodbyes to Noelle, Janson and the kids. We had a long layover in Moscow where we were able to get a room and get some sleep.

OLYMPIC ADVENTURE DAY 8: February 15th

The next morning was an early one. Noelle invited me along to go see the many interviews she would be apart of. We were given more credentials and escorted into the Media complex. After signing her name on the medals list and a few interviews, she was scheduled for more interviews in the Olympic Village.

After all of the many interviews, we met up with the rest of the family to hang out in the village and watch Noelle’s interview with the today show (Lester Holt). She also was asked to be in a few pictures with Kristi Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton. She was asked for autographs by a few fans as well.

The medal ceremony was incredible. There were thousands of people there. We were able to be right up front to watch Noelle receiver her medal. It was amazing to share the experience with her. Katy Uhleander, who took 4th by only .04 seconds, was there to support Noelle as well. We gave her a hug and thanked her for being there. It was emotional for her because she was so close to a medal.

We were finally able to see Noelle for the first time after receiving her medal. We met her behind the USA house. We got a few pictures, then we were escorted into the USA house where they acknowledged Noelle and her medal. Mom, Dad and I then took the kids who were extremely tired back to the apartment for bed. Jared and Jodi stayed to watch more interviews. Unfortunately, I had taken Janson’s credentials and he was having a hard time getting through security. Noelle ultimately gave him the Silver medal around his neck and he was able to get through with flying colors along with some pictures with the local security guards. What an end to a very long, exciting day!!! CONGRATS NOELLE!!!