It was great to see him in action. Dan took a bunch of pictures and even some video; memories we'll never forget. Not only did he represent our country so well, but he sure added a couple points to the already high ranked "Halsted" name. Soooo proud of you Sean!
During our down time, the whole family was able to visit, shop and sight see, including a "peak to peak" gondola ride. Although I did get sick and queasy on the way down (darn pregnancy equilibrium and my easy-to-reignite 20 weeks of morning sickness!), the mountaintop is truly breathtaking. It's where one of the famous Inukshuk rock statues is located. Quite a sight to see.
And though the entire family visited the village a few times, Dan and I took one of the afternoons to enjoy it on our own where we were able to meander, shop, enjoy lunch, and pick up a few Paralympic t-shirts. Of course we also picked up some Olympic onesies to add to our small collection of anticipatory outfits.
Oh, and when the commercials say "Visa, the only card accepted at the winter games", they aren't kidding. Yes yes, we heard the commercials...did it dawn on us? No. Fortunately, the only store adhering to that rule was the "Official Olympic Store" and it seems we weren't the only maroons to have selective hearing because they strategically placed ATM's directly out front! Whew!
The family visits also ranked high on our list of valued time. While we weren't able to see Sean as much as we liked (understandably so, as he was super busy) we did get a chance to take in visits with everyone else including extended family and friends like Aunt Barbara and Uncle David. It was also our introduction to baby Keelie. So cute! Sean and Sarah have another beautiful one on their hands!
The day following Sean's final race in Whistler, the Halsted Party seemed to disperse. Dan and I followed suit and hopped a bus ride down to Vancouver, spending the last remaining day there.The city is very picturesque: tall skyscrapers with water front views, lots of hub-bub, beautiful parks, etc. As with what I imagine to be indicative of every larger city, we were also bugged every block for handouts. One person was even assertive enough to come in from outside and approach us while we were eating lunch in a restaurant.
Once we got down to the water front, most of the panhandling came to a halt and we enjoyed the long trail along the water starting with the Olympic torch, sea planes landing and taking off, Stanley Park, and even a trip to the local aquarium. At the end of our long walking day, we chose a trendy restaurant close by for dinner. It was recommended to us by the concierge and low and behold...we were followed in and seated close by Lou Diamond Phillips. The ONE time we didn't bring a camera! Dan affectionately calls it our "La Bamba" sighting. 
Last but not least, let's cover the topic I'm sure everyone will ask...."Was it cold?" And the answer? YES! There were times that were bone chilling and there were times where a scarf, gloves, hat, 3 layers and a coat would suffice. Either way, it was very obvious that Dan and I are not accustomed to that weather. And what greeted us when we arrived back home in Columbia? Well, the temperature is slated to hit 78 degrees today. Need I say more? ;-)
Congrats again Sean! Thanks for giving the family a great excuse to gather and giving us yet another reason to be so inspired by you!
:::Make sure to check out the rest of our pictures!:::
:::Make sure to check out the rest of our pictures!:::
Looks like it was a great time by all. I'm sure it was a blast and a once in a lifetime experience (or maybe a few times for repeat Olympic teams). Welcome back to the warmth.
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