Lucy's second birthday and springbreak

With Glowing Hearts...

Well, it's been exactly a week since Canada won our last gold medal at the Olympics in the epic men's hockey game. 14 golds in all, and 26 medals total, our greatest games ever. Our lives were pretty much consumed by the games the entire two weeks, it was such an exciting time, especially because the games were taking place FIVE hours from our house! Because it's been exactly a week since the games ended I couldn't let the day end without blogging about our trip. Last weekend we made a whirlwind trip to Vancouver to soak in some Olympic spirit first hand. It was incredible. The city was absolutety buzzing with the national pride, unlike anything I've ever seen. We gave Jordan and Nate the choice of coming of coming or not (Lucy had no choice), Nate chose to stay and Grandma's and Jordan wanted to go. We were proud of each of them for making their own choice and we were thrilled to take Jordan on this adventure. We made the most of every moment and were so grateful to mom and dad for watching the two younger kids for us. We stayed with my friend Sarah Pybus who happens to live right downtown in a great condo, so perfect.

Hudson Bay Company. The official outfitters of the Canadian Olympic Team.

Our first night there, we headed straight to Robson street which was completely alive with Olympic spirit, excitement and TONS of people.

We watched Joannie Rochette win her medal from Robson Square. What an incredible person and amazing skater, I don't think I could have done what she did.

Robson square. The famous zipline that had lines as long as 7 hours was directly overhead in this picture.

Oh Canada!

Our first night there, there was a really cool laser light show and firework show at Robson square that Jordan loved!

The streets were just packed with people and the show was fantastic.

Downtown Vancouver was especially impressive at night. I think this picture says it all:)

When I was watching men's bordercross where our Canadian lost the lead in the last second to win Silver, I screamed at the TV "NOOOOOOOOO" Jordan was watching with me and was like "It's ok mom, remember when I won second at musical chairs at the Boxing day dance, I was still happy." She was actually pretty upset she didn't win at the time, but it's good to see that now she's come to terms with it. But here, she had a chance to stand on the gold medal podium!

Our little athlete.

"The Clumsy Lovers" played downtown at Robson Square on Thursday night. We danced and partied with complete strangers.

Word up Jorji.

We just had to do it.

We spent Friday walking around Vancouver, checking out pavillions and displays and watching the games on the big screens. We must have walked close to 8 km and all in the rain. Jordan didn't complain once.

It was so neat to see the cauldron in real person. Now we know what all the fuss was about with the chainlink fence

Jared's hat was such a hit! We should have brought 50 and sold them. We didn't think it would be such a commodity because it's not like they haven't been around for ever (I remember them from the 90's) but people loved the way it was both functional and patriotic. In fact people were taking pictures of it.

Ashley McCivor, Gold medalist in women's Ski cross. In fact I was late picking up Jordan for school because I was watching her race.

Patrick Chan, the figure skater. He came in 5th place and is an incredible skater. He's also the dude on all the "cheer" cheerios commercials.

Canada Hockey Place. Where it all happened.

This was in the Canada Pavillion at LiveCity Downtown. Jordan was excited to have her picture taken with Miga and Quatchi but a little disappointed to learn that they weren't real (according to her "Quatchi wasn't furry enough"). We also were able to hit the aboriginal pavillion and the saw the Manitoba pavillion.

The Canada Pavillion was Jordan's favourite because it was so interactive. They had virtual hockey and snowboarding and other things for her to do.

Holding the torch. Jordan was so proud.

We watched part of the Canada/Slovakia game at LiveCity Downtown but watched the last two periods at Robson Square. It was SUCH a stressful game but with such a happy ending!

Jordan took these pictures of Pybus and I. She said that we looked cute together. After winning the game!! Such a relief and so exciting! Despite this picture, Jordan actually was thrilled. This was her second night out in a row, such a troooper!

A happy little family, life with one kid would be a cinch!

It was a really quick trip but SO, SO worth it! We are so grateful for friends and family that watched Lucy and Nate while we went. We know they were in good hands.

I am so behind in my blogging. Still to come: Our kids Valentines day party which we hosted (13 kids ages 2o months-7) and Lucy's 2nd birthday party (her birthday was March 4th and we've been celebrating ever since)!