The Olympics

This month we get to enjoy all the Olympic celebrations. We kicked it off by watching the Olympic torch run right near our house!

We started the evening off at a local pub (the family friendly kind) with a BBQ. 

We enjoyed the hamburgers and live music and then set off to find a good place to watch.

I had never seen the Olympic torch before. In fact the closest I've ever lived to an Olympic event is now--and we still live 2+ hours away! Well, we did a little research to share with you. Firstly, the torch is a real thing! It's not just a symbol, though the real thing has a symbolic meaning. It stands for peace, unity, and friendship--all virtues of the Olympic Games. Secondly, they actually run the torch...by foot! The route through England is visiting more than 1,000 towns and cities in England. England isn't a very big country, but the route isn't a straight line either. The relay will last 70 days and be carried by 8,000 different torch bearers. It passed our way on June 25th and it's still going! If you're curious to track the torch, you can see live video feed and pictures here.

Below is a picture of this year's Olympic torch.

I know for sure they have more than one made because I saw more than one pass by us. One being carried by a runner and another being carried ahead by the next runner in line. For more information on the history and design of this year's torch and to see pictures of torches in years past, check out this link.

So we waited patiently on our little patch of grass to see this little golden torch. To keep the kids interest, I told them we were watching for the fire! They liked that idea. Considering what's happening with fires and heat waves across the U.S., maybe it's not the nicest thing to read though! The helicopters were buzzing over head and while we waited, we counted them about 10 times! There were 3 (just in case you wondered).

Finally, after a mini parade the torch came by!

Can you see it? Okay, not the best picture. The preview screen on our camera is broken so we just snapped a picture and hoped for the best. If you look to the upper left corner of the photo you can see the torch bearer and the torch (it's the one on fire!)

The torch came and went and so did the people. As soon as it passed by everyone split ways and went from one crowd with one purpose, back to being individuals. It united us for about 30 minutes, physically, but the symbolism will stay with us until after the games have gone--especially when the U.S.A makes out like bandits with all the gold medals! :-)

What event are you most looking forward to during the Olympics?

The Sorensen European Extravaganza 2012

We decided to give our vacation a name--it was that much a part of our lives. I can't say I'd been planning it forever because I really only had about a month to put it all together, but the idea has been in our heads and hearts since we got married 4 1/2 years ago. What? You want to know where we went? I'll give you a hint...

Oh, not good with geography? Another hint then...

Not flags either? Alright, here's comes the big hint then...

Yes my friends, finally wonderful, fabulous, clean (minus all the people smoking) FRANCE! I have to say this vacation topped a lot of my superlative lists. It was the most tiring vacation I've ever been on, but we absolutely loved it!

Ian's parents came for their turn visiting with the Grandkids and we decided to make use of Ian's french skills and have a run at France. But, it was much more than just France! Why else would the title be the Sorensen European Extravaganza? Here's a list of what we did.

Train to London
Big Ben
London Bridge
Borough Market
Bus Tour
British Museum
Pictures on Abbey Road
Natural History Museum
Pointless taping
Singing in the Rain
Train to Dover
Ferry to Calais
Boulogne-ser-mer including:
Beach
Castle
Ian's old missionary apartment
Church (and meeting people he used to know!)
Train to Paris
The Louvre
L'arch de triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Paris Opera House
Barber of Seville
Bus Tour
Rental Car to Normandy
Mont St Michel
Plane to Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Taste of Scotland Dinner Show
Train back to Sheffield

If you tried to say that list in one breath, I think you'd probably pass out. We almost passed out doing it all too! Our itinerary was so varied, but I think on our trip there was something for everyone. Ian's highlight was the museums, mine was the taping of Pointless and speaking french, Ian's Mom's was Singing in the Rain (she even got wet!) and the Opera (not to mention all the quality time with her Grandkids), Ian's Dad's highlight was Mont St Michel and being able to do his exercise around such exciting new landmarks. The kids favorite thing was, well probably coming home if I'm being honest. They had little highlights here and there, but nothing compared to how well they slept in their own bed!

Pictures? Of course we have pictures. More than 1000 pictures! The hard thing is finding the 100 that are allowed on a slideshow. Well, here are the 100 greatest picture hits from our trip! Enjoy!

Now, there are a couple video highlights--if you have the stamina for it after all those pictures!

We taught Holly how to bisous!

After our brisk walk (or run) up the 668+ steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. I may not sound winded, but my legs were on fire!

Ian trying his first Haggas!

Our trip was fantastic. Everything we could of hoped for with 2 small children and a limited budget! Hopefully someday we'll get back to France to do everything we missed the first time. In fact, I wouldn't mind living there for a while even! Who knows?!