On Thursday morning at a little after 7am the Olympic Torch entered my city, a few blocks from my house. I decided to get the kids out of bed super-early (we usually wake up at 8am or so) to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime occasion. What’s a little sleep deprivation in exchange for photos that will last forever? Nothing, I say! Plus, this early wake-up call is extremely minor compared to the countless times they’ve woken me up at I-just-want-to-cry o’clock, so I say that they have nothing to complain about.
In the end, Jacob didn’t wake up with me so I left him at home with Jon. Of course, he woke up right after Hannah and I left. Kids love to sleep only when you don’t really want them to.
In spite of the early hour, and the fact that it was rainy and still dark out, people were out in full force in our neighbourhood. Some had driven there, as evidenced by the total lack of parking on the side streets. We all found spots lining the road and waited, chatting with people we’d never met. It made me well up to think that so many people were willing to haul themselves out of the comfort of their warm beds to stand on the cold, dark and wet roadside for a glimpse of the Olympic Torch. It must mean something, if so many of us did that.
Hannah and I waiting for the torch
The back end of the Coca Cola party truck, which seemed just a little too boisterous for 7:12am
The police clear the way – if you squint you can see all the people lining the street
The one extremely poor shot I got of the Torch bearer from the back
In the afternoon the Torch had moved on but our community threw a celebration. We had to check it out and see our favourite children’s performers ever, Bobs and LoLo. Here are some photos from the festivities.
Hannah made her own torch
The kids and I with a runner and an unlit Torch
Bobs and Lolo moving their hands
Hannah trying to drink from the downspout
Tonight the Olympic Winter Games kick off at BC Place. I remember the excitement when Vancouver won the bid, and I can’t believe it’s actually here. I hope that all of the locals get a chance to do some celebrating, and that the rest of you enjoy the show. I might be keeping it real in a suburban enclave, but Vancouver will always be my city, and I am proud that the world will be watching us. Happy Olympics!
What a fun memory for your daughter to have! Not many people get to say they saw the Olympic torch!
.-= Chrystal @ Happy Mothering´s last post ..The Easiest Way to Sterilize Pacifiers, Breast Pump Parts and Bottles =-.
What an exciting day you had.. with many more fun days ahead! We’ll never have the chance of having the Olympics in my area (Boston). So I hope you don’t mind I will live vicariously through you
I love the pics you posted too!
I can’t wait to see the opening ceremony tonight!
.-= Sara´s last post ..Another LONG week =-.
I love the olympics, one of my fondest childhood memories, a TV memory. I remember the lazy, sweltering summer afternoons spent watching the (summer) games, four kids and one mother exceptionally sprawled on the couch just to watch TV IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. Had the olympic torch entered my village, I’d have been there. Isn’t it wonderful how sport can overcome many barriers?
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Good for you for giving up sleep (gasp) on purpose! One experience like this is worth a thousand housecleanings, as far as kids are concerned. That’s what I tell myself, anyway.
.-= Allison McCaskill´s last post ..************Not fair or sporting in any way =-.
I love Bobs and Lolo!
How exciting!
I have to confess, I missed the torch coming through town (it was on Nalloween, and the kids preferred candy and costumes)
BTW we LOVE Bobs & Lolo!
When Cam broke his leg, we were lucky to have the mom of one of those two musical ladies as the hospital ward nurse… she introduced us to the sweet sounds of “Sea Notes” and we’ve been fans ever since.
uhm… that was “HALLOWEEN”
How exciting! I slept through the opening ceremonies tonight (still recovering) so I’ll have to catch you tomorrow. Can’t wait to see the Vancouver show!
.-= Lady M´s last post ..If Our Family Were Made of Little Clay Creatures =-.
I got my kids up early to see the torch when it went through our town too – they thought it was pretty exciting and it helped get them in the mood when their school started talking about it! I went to the Olympics in ’88 with my junior high school and I loved it! Have been a huge fan and so glad to see the Games back in Canada!
Lucky you guys! Just watching it on TV all day on Friday sent shivers up my spine. I can only imagine what it was like to seeing the torch making its way to Vancouver and you guys getting to hold it! A memory of a lifetime for sure.
.-= Cheryl´s last post ..No spend strategy for the next 2 weeks: Olympics =-.