Olympic Hockey - Norway vs. Switzerland

Two days after Jonas was born we headed into Vancouver to watch Norway play Switzerland in Olympic Men's Hockey. It was a little exhausting taking transit with standing room only and walking around Vancouver, but we made some memories together that we won't soon forget. Ethan was so proud to cheer for Norway and it was exciting to watch him chant and clap along with the crowd. Jonas slept through the game, but he can still say he was there. Go Norway!

Reuben, Jonas and Ethan enjoying the game.

2 day old Jonas asleep in the carrier.

Norway put up a great fight but lost in overtime 5 - 4.


Vikingstaad scored a hatrick to help Norway challenge Switzerland.

Ethan cheered for Norway because as he says, "I am Norway (he means Norwegian)''

Abbotsford's Live Site

The Abbotsford Recreation Centre is a Live Olympic Site for the 2010 Olympics. In addition to hosting both the Japanese speed skating team and the Russian figure skaters, it has various events going on throughout the Olympics. On Saturday, the events included a market place, craft centres, bounce z0nes, sports demos, skating and swimming, and many more. For Ethan the highlight was the Sports Ball demonstration. From "slam-dunks" to obstacle course running, the kids were kept moving and had a great time.

The Opening Ceremonies Final Dress Rehearsal

At $1200 a seat, there was no way I thought I would ever be a part of the live audience at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic games. So, when the opportunity to be a spectator of the final dress rehearsal arose, I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. So, just four days before I was due to have Baby Loland #2, I headed into Vancouver with Jan (the amazing friend that provided me with this opportunity). What an amazing experience! We had a great time and enjoyed the show so much, I will never forget it! Here are a few pictures of the evening:

Canada arrives!

The Spirit Bear apparently weighed 900kg.

Go Canada!

Julie Carries the Torch! :)

After the Torch came through Abbotsford, one of the Torch bearers moms, a hearing teacher in Abbotsford, brought in the Torch her son, Nick Taylor, carried to show and share with my students. So, although I was not an official Torch bearer, I still had the privilege of "carrying" the Torch.

The Torch Run Arrives in Abbotsford

We were very excited for the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Abbotsford, just five days before the Olympics began in Vancouver. So, with great anticipation we set out (during the Super Bowl) to try and catch a glimpse of this once in a lifetime event (or twice in my case). We found a great location in downtown Abbotsford where we witnessed the torch go by. We then headed down to Abbotsford Exhibition Park for the Torch celebration ceremonies and watched the Torch arrive there as well. We even found a kind Torch bearer to take a picture with! It was a great night. We enjoyed spending time together as a family and celebrating with 15,000 other Canadians our great country. GO CANADA!

Awaiting the Torches arrival!

The Torch is passed on.

Canadian Bobsleigh Team

I'm still not completely sure how it happened, but somehow I arranged for a Canadian Bobsleigh Team to visit Terry Fox Elementary and read the book Bobsleigh Jellybeans which was written for them, about them and to help them raise money to continue their training. Adam Anderson, Hugh Baker, Chris Ripley, and Bobby Staniford were amazing as they patiently answered student questions, signed autographs and in general took the time out of their busy training schedule to be with us a Terry Fox. We are thankful to them and will never forget the wonderful memories made today. Go TEAM CANADA! We wish Adam, Hugh, Chris and Bobby all the best as they go on their North American tour and hope to qualify for the 2010 Olympic Games here in Vancouver.