A nation celebrates...

It was one of the most incredible scenes I've witnessed today as tens of thousands of jubilant Canadians rushed into the streets after their record 14th gold medal ... and over the U.S. in hockey. A bridge into downtown closed so fans could march toward the closing ceremony, grocery stores served chocolate cake outside. I walked alongside them, soaking it in. "You're American, I'm sorry," one guy said to me, hugging his friend. "This mattered so much to us." Yes, I'm American, but I am thrilled for the Canadians.

Hamper girl

More shots with Vernon

Curling quartet

This Vancouver-based "Men with Brooms" curling quartet kept things lively before Friday's women's gold-medal match.

Missing my girl

Emma went to sing along at the library today with Dad!

Fan faces

Great photo package on fans by my AP colleague from Maine, Bob Bukaty! He's done such wonderful work to go with my stories all Olympics.

Canadian phrases

This is no joke:
Just asked a volunteer: "How are you?"
His reply: "Tickety boo."
Me: "Huh?"
Him again: "Tickety boo."
I just smiled. All of this was moments after a female curling broadcaster said "Holy cockadoodle doo."
What am I to do? :-)

Cougs at curling!

It was such a nice surprise yesterday when Craig Hill from the Tacoma News Tribune and my old pal from Washington State showed up at curling!! We had a great time catching up. :-)

Emma and Jory ... mischief makers?

Kristy and her boyfriend Jory watched Emma the day I left. Clearly she had a blast! Are those mischievous grins or what?

Posing w/ Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Olympic fun

It was so nice to see Evan and Petra yesterday! Everybody wanted to pose with Evan in his crazy outfit.

Vernon Davis in the house

Today was lots of fun when 49ers tight end Vernon Davis showed up as the honorary U.S. captain. It all came about after I took Vernon curling in San Jose back in November and USA Curling saw the piece and reached out to him. I am in the background there interviewing him upon his arrival. Fun!

Em and Dad having fun

Emma and Daddy are having a ball. They went to sing along at the library and to the park today. Might be first haircut time when Mom returns. :-)

Flat Stanley goes curling

Sweden women's curling coach Stefan Lund gladly obliged to hold Flat Stanley for hockey writer Ira Podell's 7-year-old niece Becca's class project.

Olympic spirit, baby! Evan is READY!

I got Evan curling tickets for Saturday and he's gearing up to compete with the Norwegians' fashion statement! You go, bro! Nice curling pose.

Curling venue ... with a great view!

Norway's funky curling pants!

These guys are a real hoot, let me tell you! They will wear these pants in competition to try to get more interest in curling back home.

Laundry helper

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! XOXO!

Pear girl

This will be Mom's last post for a little while but I'm hoping Daddy will put some photos on the blog for Mom to see me while she's gone in Vancouver. She says she will miss us lots.

Curious

Hoops galore!

Emma discovered popcorn (thanks for the treat Kristy!!) and now knows why Rocco loves it so much. YUM!

Who me, a mischief maker? Nah.

Park fun

Sandbox time

Emma did NOT want to leave the sandbox to go home today, but it was nearly dark. She could have stayed for hours.

Agua

WELCOME to the world to my new buddy, HOLDEN STONE BREWER! Can't wait to meet you. :-) CONGRATS to the proud parents!



While Emma hasn't mastered saying please and thank you yet, she asks for agua and blows kisses when she wants more of something. That's a good start. :-) Thanks for my comfy overalls Auntie Petra and Uncle Evan!

Birthday fun!

Emma had so much fun celebrating her birthday with family and friends Sunday! At her 1-year doctor appt. today, she weighed in at 18 lb., 14 oz. (20th percentile) and was 29 inches (50th). She's doing great!