The Olympics came to Calgary in 1988. I was ten and at that point it was fully the most exciting thing to ever happen to me. Everything in my life became Olympic-themed. EVERYTHING. School. Gymnastics. My every waking thought. We all learned how to say “Welcome to Canada” in as many languages as possible. Somehow my sister ended up having lunch with Prince Albert of Monaco, a bobsledder, and also a prince.
We attended medals ceremonies and held flaming torches that were on fire and also had flames on top of them. I drew the rings over and over again.
I love the Olympics.
Shortly after Dan and I were married and he was still at BYU, the Olympics came to Salt Lake City. We didn’t have the money to attend any events but we did stand out a couple of blocks from our apartment and watch the torch run by and I did put on team Canada gear and walk around smiling at people and humming “We are the World” in my head. I shed a few tears and watched some smokin’ good hockey.
I love the Olympics.
So, this week, in an attempt to infuse my kids with Olympic spirit, we went a little crazy. I ordered cable to be installed for the first time in 7 years. We’ll probably only keep it through August.
Magoo has been sitting like this for two days, watching the coverage.
We had a torch-lighting ceremony, where we passed the flame around and lit this amazing beeswax “torch.”
Then we ate a traditional British pub dinner, as one would find in London Town, complete with Yorkshire puddings.
We decorated the house with flags.
Laylee put together a mini Olympics with events like Cartwheeling, Throwing of Stuffed Dogs, Long Jump Off the Hearth,
Weight Lifting (Dan and I slaughtered the kids at this!) and Hill Racing.
Each of us represented a country whose language we speak, China, France, Canada, Mini-Canada, and the United States.
We made T-shirts with puff paint,
and finished the night with an Olympic cake. This is a lemon/blueberry marble cake I found on Pinterest. It was delish!
Until the games are over, our highly flammable, flameless flame will keep the spirit of the games alive.
Everybody seems caught up in the magic. My favorite comment so far comes from Magoo who watched the US women’s gymnastics team vault and said, “I could totally do that… except for all the spinning stuff they do in the air.” Couldn’t we all, Magoo? Couldn’t we all? And I could win So You Think You Can Dance, except for all the choreography and the rhythm and stuff.
I love this post, the Olympics, and you.
I love this so much! you are the coolest. If I was there I would compete for Spain! (Or another spanish speaking Country) oe England, or Australia, or Scotland, or Ireland. OK, probably Ireland. I love you!!!
This is so impressive, educational, and plain FUN…I’ve been thinking of possible ways to integrate the OLYMPICS into our class this year. I sure wish you were returning………and Claire too!
Ditto what Heather said. You are super mom
I am always a little sad when the Olympics come around and I can’t watch any of it because we don’t get TV reception. It looks like you guys are having an awesome time enjoying them though!
Wow! You are amazing! Your kids will have fabulous memories. I love the Olympics, too, but it didn’t even occur to me to do all the fun stuff you did! It’s been a little chaotic at our house, what with family arriving in town just in time for the Opening Ceremonies, so I’ll use that as my excuse. We do stay up late every night watching the primetime coverage (no cable for us), and my Magoo hasn’t fallen asleep in her bed since Saturday. That’s making memories, right?
Late night coverage for us as well. Good for you folks, with all the playing of the (summer) games and such! Wish I was closer to play with you , too! I think I’d be Australia-at least I think I can pull off the sweet accent! And such great photography-I’ve been slacking off in the photomemorykeeping department. Keep it up!
What a fantastic learning experience for your kids! (And fun for you, too, of course.)
I’m coming to your house for the next Olympics!
Yay for Yorkshire puddings! I’m from Yorkshire so I always feel a swell of pride and patriotism when I see them on overseas blogs 🙂 I just found your blog today and it’s lovely, your mini Olympics looks like so much fun!