Paralympic Opening Ceremonies

Since tickets for the Paralympic Opening ceremonies were much more affordable, I convinced Craig to go...

The set-up was pretty much the same as when we went to the Hockey game during the Olympics so I was prepared for waiting, it was a gorgeous day so it made things much easier.

In line again!

The other, faster line that I convinced Craig to change to.

We had stopped for dinner just before getting in line so by the time we made it through security we missed the instructions on the goody bag on our chair, luckily there was a child sitting near us who listened to all the instructions and explained it all to his mom who was out getting food. I listened in and we were set! We were given different colour ponchos, we sat in the white section but there were also blue and green ones.

In our white ponchos and shaking our pom-poms.

Canada enters!

A chance for you to hear how crazy loud the cheering got.

The entertainers were AMAZING! It was incredible to see such talent and the ability for people to overcome their challenges to be such incredible dancers, singers, and wheelchair riders (I think they were better than the stunt skateboarders and BMX bikers. I did wish in some parts of the show that we could have had the commentaries that TV viewers were getting at home because we didn't get to hear who all the performers were or where they were from.

Children forming a maple leaf.

There was a moving tribute to Canadian heroes, namely Rick Hansen and Terry Fox. It made me so very proud that they are ours and that they have achieved so much and continue to do so all around the world.

And finally when the moment came for the flame to be lit, it was Terry Fox's parents who entered the stadium with the torch.

The flame is lit!

Dancing around the Flame.

Some colleagues of mine brought their daughters to the ceremonies and I wish that Brea had been older so that we could have done the same. It was an evening to remember and cherish always.

Things Olympic

We have been so lucky to have had the chance to experience the Olympics and Paralympics in our city. I would say it has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. The city of Vancouver was amazing in all that it did and I really think Canadians everywhere felt like they were a part of the Olympic dream. It's been a month since the Olympics have ended and one week for the Paralympics but I can't help but feel that it has left an indelible mark on us all.

I didn't have a chance to blog on the Men's Hockey Game Craig and I attended since I was so absentminded and forgot to bring my camera. I had snapped a few pics on my cell phone but have no idea how to get them out onto the computer. I was hoping for the opportunity to figure it out and hence do a post with pictures but I think that won't be the case.

We made it out on February 19th to the Men's Ice hockey prelims of Finland vs Germany. Craig had armed himself with his iphone programed with a cow bell and both team flags so he could alternate between the two (how very Canadian). We headed out after Craig was done school and met up with my cousin, Glenda. We spent a few hours in the downtown core, experiencing the ambiance and soaking in the excitement of it all. We even had the chance to try out the famous JAPADOGS! Yes, the Japanese-fusion hot dogs... it was a gourmet dinner. We were actually very lucky to only have a 15 minute line. Apparently on some days during the games, the line-up was up to over an hour and was two blocks long! They are not a new phenomenon but the media during the games gave them a super boost, you can read the story here :o) Needless to say, Glenda was happy she finally had her dog and Craig found the Kimchi topping scrumptious.

From there, we spent some time on Granville St. and had a nice visit together. We departed ways so that we could get to the security checks at Canada Hockey Place (a.k.a. GM Place) and Glenda headed off to the Flamenco demo to see my other cousin, Ange.

Not knowing we had a super long walk to do... we approached the stadium thinking we could enter through the normal entrances... so wrong. We ended up having to walk a very roundabout way and then going through a very thorough security tent before getting into an enclosure to finish the last 45 minutes wait before the gates opened. It was a bit difficult for me as I was definitely feeling the baby bump weight on my feet by then.

Our seats were fairly good and thoroughly entertaining as we were right by the camera-man with a sense of humour. He kept following people as they came in with his camera arm and played with a group of guys eating nachos... it was fun to see so many people having a great time.

Craig even had his second brush with fame! A week earlier we had been walking in the mall and a Polish newspaper reporter asked Craig and Brea for a picture seeing as Daddy was dressed in Olympic gear and Brea had on her Chinese New Year outfit. This time around, it was a Netherlands TV channel doing a special on Canadian hockey games and our use of organ music. Craig was interviewed and had his brain picked on how this type of music added to the spirit of our national sport... it was pretty hilarious watching him be all nervous in front of the GIANT camera. See, my honey is now famous albeit all overseas :o)

We had lovely ride on Skytrain back home after the game... it was a great evening!

Play time!

One of Brea's most favourite past-times is to play. I've been collecting some pictures and videos of her this past month but haven't had the chance to post them. Here they are for your enjoyment:

Piano playing just wouldn't be the same without Daddy's Tilley hat.

Brea loves "hiding" - in the laundry, under blankets, in the closet...

Showing off her Miga Olympic outfit.

Playing dress-up in Daddy's clothes.

Brea's first day of somersault attempts

Dancing Baby

Sigh... she seems to have inherited my moves...

So behind

I had a nice email from Brea's Nana to remind me that I should keep my blog up to date. I'm sorry that I have been behind. It feels like I'm just tired and really heavy all of the time these days... but I will get off my bum and get to work so that you can see how Brea's been doing (oh and Craig and I too).