I don't know about you, but there aren't too many things that will hold the interest of everyone in our family, for a prolonged period of time, so that we can actually spend more of our free time together than not.
I'm talking about the Vancouver Winter Olympics televised nightly for a total of two weeks. From the Opening Ceremony last Friday night (my teenager stayed in!) to the nightly coverage of all things snowy and sporty, my family is hangin' together.
It's not that we don't like spending time together as a family, but for all age levels and our different interests, its not often we will spend night after night in one room. Its been so great! Wednesday night's women's downhill ski race was as action packed, drama filled and as heartwarming as any one of our favorite movies.
Action: The track was so rock hard, fast and bumpy, three skiiers crashed before hitting the finish line!
Drama: U.S. skiier Lindsey Vonn has been suffering a let injury for days and wasn't even sure if she could compete. Lindsey waited at the top, focused and ready, but still hearing of crash after crash before her. A couple of the women appeared so apprehensive it was as if they traded in their chance for a medal just to get down the mountain (1.8 miles) in one piece.
Heartwarming conclusion: Vonn did win Gold, could barely compose herself through a TV interview, ran to her husband, collapsed into his arms and sobbed for a full minute!
There really has been something for everyone. My teenager likes the snowboarding and short track, my seven year old likes moguls, luge, and can't wait for bobsled, my hubby digs hockey and downhill, and I love it all! Let me not forget to mention, this televised event is completely family friendly entertainment. We haven't even seen the nightly inappropriate commercials peddling cures for ailments we'd rather not talk about in front of our kids.
We are watching together, cheering together, learning about different sports, and being inspired to learn new ones. There are even lessons of geography, as we interpret the flags of other teams. I have always enjoyed watching the Olympics. This year, I especially appreciate how such an event is just cool enough for my teen, and fun enough for my youngest, to hang out with mom and dad, even on a Friday night.
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