2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC Canada!

Last week I was able to cross an item off my "bucket list" - visiting an Olympic host city while the Games were actually going on. It really does help with the host city is an hour away - lol! The kids didn't have school last Monday, so Scott and I took advantage of the opportunity and made our way to Vancouver. We had so much fun, and I am not embarassed to say that it was killing me to not be able to get back there as the week wore on. Even last Friday night I was trying to find a way to even get to Richmond to check out the action there.

Here are some of the highlights of the day:

Below: The Olympic Cauldron nestled along Burrard Inlet next to the International Broadcast CenterAbove: If you saw Bob Costas outside, you saw this behind him.Of both my kids Baden can come across as the shy one at times, but when a camera is out he is the first one in the picture.

One of several entertainment venues in Vancouver and the surrounding area, Live City Downtown. At night several bands would perform after the contests of the day were done, and during the day attendees could keep up with the jumbotron and and other tv's within the venue.

Below: The Olympic Athlete's VillageAbove: The girl behind Savannah is the one Savannah befriended on the playground.

Scott and I got a good laugh over this sign, in part because it reminded us of signs we saw in China when the meaning of a sign got lost in translation. Does this mean that cyclists from other provinces can go straight? Above: The kids in front of the official countdown clock for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi Russia. Below: This is the end of the line to get into the Russia House... it wound from this point to the left toward the Athlete's Village, back toward the building itself, back to the left and and then along the Seawall to get in. Below: This tree was part of a "forest" of lanterns created by artwork done by local kids. I would have loved to see this lit up at night.Above: The kids loved watching the various street performers we encountered walking along Robson St., including a special appearance by the Bob sled team featuring Bob and Bob.

Below: The official countdown clock was reset to count down the upcoming Paralympic Games this monthBelow: Even more spectacular at night. After experiencing one day at these Games, if I lived anywhere near London I would move heaven and earth to get there in 2012.