The end of the 2010 Olympics

Just watching the closing ceremony and wanted to wrap up our trip. We had a blast !!! We feel fortunate to have been part of it. It is a really neat feeling to be around other people from different countries all rooting for their team. We met a lot of very nice people and were amazed at how welcoming the people of Canada were. We would definately make a trip back to the Vancouver area.

The experience reminded me of Expo 74 in that there were people from all over the world all together being part of one event. I wish there were more opportunities to experience different cultures and people in the Spokane area. I've been to a couple of World Expos now, and a couple of Olympics. We met someone on one of the Skytrains from Colorado who said he was now hooked on attending Olympics after having been to one. I feel that I may be in the same boat.

I'm glad the kids had a good time. Before we left, I thought that they might not realize how lucky they were to be part of it until they were older, but I think they realize it already. We've been talking and have brought up the idea of going to the Olympics in 2012 in London. I'm seriously considering it. I would love to be able to give my kids a little bit of a world view of things. I'd like them to learn that the world is bigger than the borders of Washington state and though other cultures may seem vastly different, they really have many of the same values, goals and ideals as we do. A trip to the Olympics in a foreign country ( that you have to fly to get to) may really help reinforce this. Also, Rylee may be taking French for a couple of years in high school before we would go, maybe she could interpret if we go to France.

I want the kids to enjoy and remember our family vacations fondly. I remember how fun it was to go on our family vacations when I was a kid. Vacations to Disneyland, Washington DC, the Oregon Coast, Reno, etc, all were fun. I think it helped us be close as a family and keep our family close even now as we are adults. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for making that a priority when we were kids. I'm passing it on to my children so that hopefully they will pass it on to theirs.

Now we have to start saving for 2012, anyone want to buy a kidney????

Craig