Olympians, their parents, politicians, oh my! So much has happened since my last blog! I have met so many amazing people here these past few days, including Dorothy Hamil -yep that's us in the ladies room of the private "USA House"! There have been so many highlights, but taking Brooke and Riley to Team USA Women's hockey game would top my list! The U.S. defeated Russia easily, and we enjoyed taking part in the "GO RUSSIA!" chants that broke out around the rink when the score was 12-0. It's all about catching the Olympic spirit! Riley never stopped waving his mini American flag. At one point, his foot itched so he went barefoot...you never know what to expect when you are with a three year old. He has been such a trooper!
After the game, we saw some dear friends from Coach Mark Johnson's family: Doug, Mickayla, Megan and Leslie! We love them all. They are the quintessential American hockey family! We had fun with the Engstroms, too, whose daughter Molly is on Team USA. We went so far as to hitch a ride back to town with them after the game. Thankfully Molly's dad wears a Wisconsin Cheesehead and he was easy to find! I almost had an out of body experience after the game when we walked past a large group of USA hockey parents (SEE PHOTO) and I did not recognize any of them. They did not know me either; another sign that Cammi's playing time truly has passed, but not without making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime! I can only imagine how my sis feels, being a broadcaster instead of a player. Her last remaining Olympic hockey record has now been broken, too! Cammi smiles through everything! I am so grateful to have entered motherhood alongside her! We're having a blast with our amazing brood here in Vancouver! It's so great to see things through their little eyes!
Yesterday we went to the private "USA House" (a corporate sponsored hideaway for Olympians and their families). We watched Cam speak to guests about winning her gold medal in Nagano. Our time with Cammi, although brief, has been magical! She has been gone for nine hours straight, day after day, and she still manages to make sure Reese (her lil' peanut butter cup) has enough breast milk to get by! One day her driver brought us an extra supply -freshly pumped! I bet that's not in his job description! Cammi's male counterparts have been making jokes about sharing a small single bathroom at their studios with the nursing Mom. One colleague thanked Cam for the "cream" for his coffee! Hockey players!
Today we saw Cammi off to the IBC (International Broadcast Centre) where the Today Show and so many others have their main studios. Brooke and I walked to the Olympic Cauldron. It was breathtaking, and the views of the ocean and mountains were equally spectacular! Before I forget, here's the last of today's bela hockey lowdown: Cam had to turn down lunch with Vice President Biden because of her work schedule! That's what sister's are for! Maybe next time she'll send me! TTYS - Christina
