We made it home safely at about midnight last night. It was beginning to snow when we left the Harrisburg Airport.
The girls were up on time this morning (no school delay - boo!) I'm feeling the jet lag today so I'm guessing they are too. Mr. Tyler just awoke from his slumber at 10:30 AM! At least he is catching up on his sleep. Scott had a full day at work that began with an important meeting at 8:30 AM. I hope it went well!
Now, to catch up on laundry and mail.. We will post more pictures in the next day or so!
Thanks for following us on our great adventure to the 2010 Olympics.
One word: Unforgetable!
~ ~ Terri
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Womens Ski Cross
Today we traveled to the top of Cypress Mountain for Women's Ski Cross. It was VERY cold and everyone was dressed in winter gear. There were no women representing the U.S. in the top 35 women so that was kind of disapointing... anyways we saw the first round and most of the second round. It was really exciting to watch the women go over jumps and around turns. There were about 5 wipeouts the whole time, but everyone was ok. By the start of the second round it was snowing hard and was VERY windy. (I don't think I could feel my legs until we got on the bus) Tyler was whining and unhappy so we decided to leave. Everyone and everything was WET.
For dinner we had some really good pizza from a place called "Uncle Fatih's Pizza.." Tyler was told that we were having meatball pizza, what he thought were meatballs were actually mushrooms. He didn't even notice the difference! He seemed to like them...
I can't believe that tomorrow we will have to leave! Vancouver was awesome and I think we all had a really great time!
-Alyssa
For dinner we had some really good pizza from a place called "Uncle Fatih's Pizza.." Tyler was told that we were having meatball pizza, what he thought were meatballs were actually mushrooms. He didn't even notice the difference! He seemed to like them...
I can't believe that tomorrow we will have to leave! Vancouver was awesome and I think we all had a really great time!
-Alyssa
Monday, February 22, 2010
Photos from Women's Hockey game
Another terrific day today. Perfect weather, yet again. Erik headed back to Oregon this morning. He had a 7 hour drive back. I was sad to say goodbye - I don't want it to be 12 years before I see him again.
The girls and Tyler really enjoyed getting to know him. I think we both enjoyed talking about his mom and my grandparents and stuff we remember from when we were much younger.
We headed out to University of British Columbia at around ten this morning and packed sandwiches and lunch and enjoyed it on campus in the beautiful garden there. It was a "cheap" lunch sandwich meat, bread and cheese that we bought at the supermarket. Still probably cost us $20 to feed everyone but it was less expensive then yesterdays lunch at the Quebec tent on the waterfront. French cheese, meat pies, ham and cheese croissant and a few drinks cost us almost $70! Ouch. Food is not inexpensive here. I am trying not to think about how we have spend on food alone here.
After lunch we walked over to the UBC ice rink to watch the women's game China vs. Slovakia (sorry in an eariler post I said Finland). We were excited when we found out our seat were right behind the bench of the Slovakian players. They played hard but China out skated them. I am amazed at how hard and how fast these women were skating. By the way, both goalies -- huge. Either one of them could easily take me down! Big, strong ladies they were!
We wore our Hershey gear today which drew quite a few looks both on mass transit today as well as on the UBC campus. We met a fellow Pennslvanian from State College who wanted to take our photo since we were from "their neck of the woods". People asked if we had chocolate to trade for Olympic pins -- oops.
The bus driver who picked us up (who was wearing his Canadian hockey jersey) almost left Glen behind...probaby because Glen was wearing a Hershey shirt/something USA. I'm sure that many Canadians are still angry about the hockey loss to the USA last night. The bus driver was probably the grumpiest most unhospitable Canadian we met. The Canadian people are very friendly. Service in restaurants and when asking for directions or info has been terrific and very welcoming. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Dave - there might be a Cole family visit to Ottawa in your future - we love it here.
It was hard to find a Tyler notatable/quotable for today - just a whole lotta whining about wanting to eat at McDonalds. One of the bus stops on the way back from UBC was MacDonald Ave. I think that Tyler really thought that there was a McD's there and was insisting we stop. We started quizzing him with math problems to distract him. I am amazed that it worked.
We are getting sad that we only have one day left in Vancouver. We can't believe how fast the past few days have gone. Tomorrow - ski cross at 1 PM.
Here are some photos from today.
Enjoy. ~ ~ Terri
The girls and Tyler really enjoyed getting to know him. I think we both enjoyed talking about his mom and my grandparents and stuff we remember from when we were much younger.
We headed out to University of British Columbia at around ten this morning and packed sandwiches and lunch and enjoyed it on campus in the beautiful garden there. It was a "cheap" lunch sandwich meat, bread and cheese that we bought at the supermarket. Still probably cost us $20 to feed everyone but it was less expensive then yesterdays lunch at the Quebec tent on the waterfront. French cheese, meat pies, ham and cheese croissant and a few drinks cost us almost $70! Ouch. Food is not inexpensive here. I am trying not to think about how we have spend on food alone here.
After lunch we walked over to the UBC ice rink to watch the women's game China vs. Slovakia (sorry in an eariler post I said Finland). We were excited when we found out our seat were right behind the bench of the Slovakian players. They played hard but China out skated them. I am amazed at how hard and how fast these women were skating. By the way, both goalies -- huge. Either one of them could easily take me down! Big, strong ladies they were!
We wore our Hershey gear today which drew quite a few looks both on mass transit today as well as on the UBC campus. We met a fellow Pennslvanian from State College who wanted to take our photo since we were from "their neck of the woods". People asked if we had chocolate to trade for Olympic pins -- oops.
The bus driver who picked us up (who was wearing his Canadian hockey jersey) almost left Glen behind...probaby because Glen was wearing a Hershey shirt/something USA. I'm sure that many Canadians are still angry about the hockey loss to the USA last night. The bus driver was probably the grumpiest most unhospitable Canadian we met. The Canadian people are very friendly. Service in restaurants and when asking for directions or info has been terrific and very welcoming. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Dave - there might be a Cole family visit to Ottawa in your future - we love it here.
It was hard to find a Tyler notatable/quotable for today - just a whole lotta whining about wanting to eat at McDonalds. One of the bus stops on the way back from UBC was MacDonald Ave. I think that Tyler really thought that there was a McD's there and was insisting we stop. We started quizzing him with math problems to distract him. I am amazed that it worked.
We are getting sad that we only have one day left in Vancouver. We can't believe how fast the past few days have gone. Tomorrow - ski cross at 1 PM.
Here are some photos from today.
Enjoy. ~ ~ Terri
Us, with they Olympic mascots outside of UBC stadium.
Just behind the bench - awesome seats and view up and down the ice!
Talking Candian
- Be sure to always use "eh" at the end of your sentences
- ALWAYS uptalk
- Say "about" as "aboat"
- When you need to go to the bathroom, look for a sign that says "washrooms"
- Soda = pop
- When they ask you for a loonie they really want a $1 coin with the loon picture on it
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Photos from Today - streets filled with Candian Fans
We tried to get into the official Vancouver 2010 souvenier store this afternoon -- complete insanity!!!
The line to get in the store went down the street and then some so we opted to go for the unofficial souvenier stuff or pick up something at the Women's Ice Hockey Game tomorrow at 2 PM.
In a little while, the US plays Canada in Hockey. The streets were filled and I mean packed with Canadian fans all trying to get into bars and restuarants to get a seat to see the game. They were lining up to get in since 1 or 2 PM.
I have never seen so many Red Maple Leafs and red Toque hats in my life. Some Americans are braving the red, white and blue. I heard one man joking telling a Canadian - it's gonna be a great game - but we already have more Gold than you!....
Enjoy the photos!
Notable Tyler Quote for the day: We went to what is normally the Vancouver Science Museum - turned into a Russia exhibit. When I told Ty that there were not any science things and that were weren't going in and why, He responded "I hate Russia!"
The line to get in the store went down the street and then some so we opted to go for the unofficial souvenier stuff or pick up something at the Women's Ice Hockey Game tomorrow at 2 PM.
In a little while, the US plays Canada in Hockey. The streets were filled and I mean packed with Canadian fans all trying to get into bars and restuarants to get a seat to see the game. They were lining up to get in since 1 or 2 PM.
I have never seen so many Red Maple Leafs and red Toque hats in my life. Some Americans are braving the red, white and blue. I heard one man joking telling a Canadian - it's gonna be a great game - but we already have more Gold than you!....
Enjoy the photos!
Notable Tyler Quote for the day: We went to what is normally the Vancouver Science Museum - turned into a Russia exhibit. When I told Ty that there were not any science things and that were weren't going in and why, He responded "I hate Russia!"
me and Erik - so great seeing him!
A great afternoon down at the waterfront.
Complete insantity in the streets of Vancouver - everyone trying to get to the USA/Canada hockey game or somewhere to watch it.
~ ~ ~ Terri
The "walk"
There's a reason why you don't see many over weight people out here... walking. We have done more walking than I imagined. Tyler is holding up pretty well and trying to keep pace with us. I did teach him the sidewalk game/song (from my NYC childhood days) "don't step on a crack you'll break your mother's back, don't step on a line or you'll break your mother's spine!" That seemed to help pass some of the time and make a game out of "hurting" me.... which every 5 year old boy enjoys. Off to see the Science Museum!
BTW - Erik arrived yesterday! He looks awesome and is having a great time with us and the kids. I am really enjoying seeing him (he is my youngest cousin (turned dr.) now living in Oregeon who drove up to ski AND hang with us. It is so great to see him!! Will post some photos of all of us later on today!
Go U S A !!!! No events for us today ... but we are cheering!
..... Terri
BTW - Erik arrived yesterday! He looks awesome and is having a great time with us and the kids. I am really enjoying seeing him (he is my youngest cousin (turned dr.) now living in Oregeon who drove up to ski AND hang with us. It is so great to see him!! Will post some photos of all of us later on today!
Go U S A !!!! No events for us today ... but we are cheering!
..... Terri
Who would have thought that the the weather, warm and sunny, in Vancouver in mid-February would would be better than Pittsburgh, cold and snowy! Really enjoyed both the Finland (5) versus Germany (0) Men's Hockey game, followed the next day by Women's Curling. The US women with a big, come-from-behind win over GBR. It was a raucous crowd, with lots of chants of U-S-A. As can be seen, that didn't stop Tyler from catching up on some lost sleep after a late night at the Hockey game. We also spent part of the last couple of days at Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park. Both of which are very beautiful. Headed to the Science Center today.
Curling anyone?!
We had our day full of curls yesterday...curling the sport...curling the Sleeman's honey lager at the end...but the first part was more interesting....except for Tyler. The Vanouver Olympic Center where the curling was held is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park - which is home to a long extinct volcano and a former stone quarry. The stone quarry has been converted to wonderful japanese influenced gardens....and at the top of the hill - there are awesome views of the city of Vancouver to the north. There was a large fountain and statue and tyler found another 6 year old Canadian boy to play with and run and jump around with. Tyler insisted on wearing his Caanda jersey for the second straight day!
Our first curling experience was interesting...the family of one of the American curlers was in front of us - a bunch of 20-something-obnoxious steriotypical americans shouting 2 rows in front...and the lot of us were trying to figure out scoring and strategy. It was cool in that there were 4 sheets...with 8 countries competing all at once. We of course focused most on the US-Great Britain's women's match which we pulled out at the end!
Other matches were Russia and Sweden (the swede's were actually smoked early!), China and Germany, and the Swiss and Netherlands. It was cool to watch them all at once and we started to get the strategy and scoring as the game went on. As much as we made fun of the "non-athleticism" of the teams - there is definitely alot more skill and strategy involved than you can appreciate without watching. The match lasted all of 3 hours...but as much as I never thought I would say this going in - I would go watch it again (well, maybe sans 5 year old!).
Tyler definitely used up all his energy walking around the park and city the day before...and then Queen Elizabeth park before the match....and took a wonderful hour + nap at curling.
Terri, Alyssa and Tyler got to meet one of the American curlers after the match who was out with her family and got their pix with her. All in all - a much cooler event than I gave it credit for - glad we went! And of course - we did enjoy doing the wave around the curling rink with the thousands of other fans - didn't think we'd be doing the wave goin into this match!- Scott T. Boy
Our first curling experience was interesting...the family of one of the American curlers was in front of us - a bunch of 20-something-obnoxious steriotypical americans shouting 2 rows in front...and the lot of us were trying to figure out scoring and strategy. It was cool in that there were 4 sheets...with 8 countries competing all at once. We of course focused most on the US-Great Britain's women's match which we pulled out at the end!
Other matches were Russia and Sweden (the swede's were actually smoked early!), China and Germany, and the Swiss and Netherlands. It was cool to watch them all at once and we started to get the strategy and scoring as the game went on. As much as we made fun of the "non-athleticism" of the teams - there is definitely alot more skill and strategy involved than you can appreciate without watching. The match lasted all of 3 hours...but as much as I never thought I would say this going in - I would go watch it again (well, maybe sans 5 year old!).
Tyler definitely used up all his energy walking around the park and city the day before...and then Queen Elizabeth park before the match....and took a wonderful hour + nap at curling.
Terri, Alyssa and Tyler got to meet one of the American curlers after the match who was out with her family and got their pix with her. All in all - a much cooler event than I gave it credit for - glad we went! And of course - we did enjoy doing the wave around the curling rink with the thousands of other fans - didn't think we'd be doing the wave goin into this match!- Scott T. Boy
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Hockey Nite in Vancouver...
Well....we did a ton of stuff yesterday...which I will let the kiddies tell you about....but clearly walked miles and miles through the city and stanley park!
Our first olympic experience was just like going through the airport with scanners and the walk through metal detector...the lady at the front said...take off your belts now...cause it's gonna beep on you! we went through security and waited in a huge crowd of mostly canadians - but large groups of german and finland supporters...yelling and chanting and blowing horns and wearing flags and colored wigs and faces painted - and some clearly 'lit up like xmas trees'....it was like what you'd expect a european soccer match to be like on a smaller scale...there were some dancers and folks to keep us entertained while we waited to get in...glen and i headed straight for the molson boothes upon entry! But it was a great stadium and really cool to see the game.
We knew that the german team was in trouble when they did starting lineups and only 2-3 of the German hockey players names were recognizable...and the Fin team sounded like an NHL all star team...our "fears" were realized when the fins scored early and often on route to a 5-0 victory...it was fun to hear the "duetchland" and fin cheers in the stands.
since we had a 9 pm start time and had walked around all day - we were worried about tyler falling asleep - but they had music going the whole time and our freakish son danced with reckless abandon....even to the point where midway through the second his overzealousness in dancing sent him falling forward into the row in front of him...no one was hurt though...we got him a canada hockey jersey earlier in the day so people were saying "Go Canada" to him...and he didn't really know why!
Alas, we enjoyed a great game and packed like sardines on the skytrain back to our house....and the 15 min walk which had us all taking turns carrying tyler back...must admit my legs and knees were feeling it too! cheers - Scott T. Boy
Our first olympic experience was just like going through the airport with scanners and the walk through metal detector...the lady at the front said...take off your belts now...cause it's gonna beep on you! we went through security and waited in a huge crowd of mostly canadians - but large groups of german and finland supporters...yelling and chanting and blowing horns and wearing flags and colored wigs and faces painted - and some clearly 'lit up like xmas trees'....it was like what you'd expect a european soccer match to be like on a smaller scale...there were some dancers and folks to keep us entertained while we waited to get in...glen and i headed straight for the molson boothes upon entry! But it was a great stadium and really cool to see the game.
We knew that the german team was in trouble when they did starting lineups and only 2-3 of the German hockey players names were recognizable...and the Fin team sounded like an NHL all star team...our "fears" were realized when the fins scored early and often on route to a 5-0 victory...it was fun to hear the "duetchland" and fin cheers in the stands.
since we had a 9 pm start time and had walked around all day - we were worried about tyler falling asleep - but they had music going the whole time and our freakish son danced with reckless abandon....even to the point where midway through the second his overzealousness in dancing sent him falling forward into the row in front of him...no one was hurt though...we got him a canada hockey jersey earlier in the day so people were saying "Go Canada" to him...and he didn't really know why!
Alas, we enjoyed a great game and packed like sardines on the skytrain back to our house....and the 15 min walk which had us all taking turns carrying tyler back...must admit my legs and knees were feeling it too! cheers - Scott T. Boy
Friday, February 19, 2010
Seattle Waterfront Market (Pike Place Fish Market)
We stopped in Seattle a while to stretch our legs after the LONG plane ride. Scott had schedule us to visit the Pike Place Fish Market so we walked around the various levels (3 or 4 floors... think lots and lots of steps) of the huge building looking for somewhere to get real food. We had bought snack boxes on the plane that the cabin crew described as survival food -- they were right. We got enough in us to survive until we got off the plane (except for Katrina who has been eating and eating none stop. She said she was going to get a feast once off the plane -- she was still so hungry) Return trip, I will plan to bring more food on the plane since 5 hours of sitting means you are hungry or need to eat to not be totally bored!
The fish market was filled with fresh fruit vendors and lots of fish vendors and then everything else you could imagine. It had lots of character. We stopped to check out what a fish vendor was selling, everything was nicely labeled by description and price. One very UGLY fish. brown, slimy big fish with a HUGE mouth was smack in the middle of the ice display with a sign that said "I'm a MONK Fish" so we stayed a bit to check him out.
We didn't know that this was a "trick". So as I was pointing out the fish to Tyler -- the fish began to move up and down. We'll poor Tyler nearly peed his pants he was so scared. It would have won 100,000 on AFV show. He said" Mommy is it alive!!!!" ans screamed and started shaking!!! We were all hysterical, along with the people around us and the fish mongers behind the ice counter. The man who "caused" the trick had to walk away, partly to laugh but I think he felt bad that he scared Tyler so much.
We continued to stand by watching as he "got" other visitors to the market with his fish trick. It was quite a sight!
The view from the water front of the mountains was breathtaking and the weather was spring like to say the least - 58 degrees. WOW. Can't remember what that felt like! Did I mention the Spring trees were in bloom and we spotted daffodils AND Japanese Iris in bloom too! Gotta come back to Seattle for a longer visit another time. ~~~~ Terri
ALYSSA's Thoughts:
I love Seattle! The weather was so nice there and there were lots of cool stores around.
At the border, my mom told Tyler "Don't make any smart alec remarks when we are going through here." So as we stopped to answer some of the questions border patrol had, Tyler realized that Glen (my dads college friend) did not have his seat belt on. As the window was being rolled down, Tyler said "Uncle Glen, you don't have your seat belt on! You are going to be arrested!" That was hilarious... of course Tyler had to say that at the exact moment that the window was being rolled down....hopefully border patrol didn't here that...
The fish market was filled with fresh fruit vendors and lots of fish vendors and then everything else you could imagine. It had lots of character. We stopped to check out what a fish vendor was selling, everything was nicely labeled by description and price. One very UGLY fish. brown, slimy big fish with a HUGE mouth was smack in the middle of the ice display with a sign that said "I'm a MONK Fish" so we stayed a bit to check him out.
We didn't know that this was a "trick". So as I was pointing out the fish to Tyler -- the fish began to move up and down. We'll poor Tyler nearly peed his pants he was so scared. It would have won 100,000 on AFV show. He said" Mommy is it alive!!!!" ans screamed and started shaking!!! We were all hysterical, along with the people around us and the fish mongers behind the ice counter. The man who "caused" the trick had to walk away, partly to laugh but I think he felt bad that he scared Tyler so much.
We continued to stand by watching as he "got" other visitors to the market with his fish trick. It was quite a sight!
The view from the water front of the mountains was breathtaking and the weather was spring like to say the least - 58 degrees. WOW. Can't remember what that felt like! Did I mention the Spring trees were in bloom and we spotted daffodils AND Japanese Iris in bloom too! Gotta come back to Seattle for a longer visit another time. ~~~~ Terri
ALYSSA's Thoughts:
I love Seattle! The weather was so nice there and there were lots of cool stores around.
At the border, my mom told Tyler "Don't make any smart alec remarks when we are going through here." So as we stopped to answer some of the questions border patrol had, Tyler realized that Glen (my dads college friend) did not have his seat belt on. As the window was being rolled down, Tyler said "Uncle Glen, you don't have your seat belt on! You are going to be arrested!" That was hilarious... of course Tyler had to say that at the exact moment that the window was being rolled down....hopefully border patrol didn't here that...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
moving into panic (vacation anxiety) mode
Why is it the day I leave for a big trip I go into panic mode??
I feel like I'm racing against a clock and want to accomplish all kinds of last minute things. It feels good to leave a clean house behind and my checklist completed but I don't think it's going to all happen the way I'd like it to.
Sometimes I think I'm the only one who has anxiety about being ready. Kids? Hubby?
I'm about 90% ready to go... still a nervous Nelly though.
We are getting close to the 24 hour count down now! tick, tick, tick.
Is that the clock ticking down or my heart racing?
>> TC
I feel like I'm racing against a clock and want to accomplish all kinds of last minute things. It feels good to leave a clean house behind and my checklist completed but I don't think it's going to all happen the way I'd like it to.
Sometimes I think I'm the only one who has anxiety about being ready. Kids? Hubby?
I'm about 90% ready to go... still a nervous Nelly though.
We are getting close to the 24 hour count down now! tick, tick, tick.
Is that the clock ticking down or my heart racing?
>> TC
Monday, February 15, 2010
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