Visitors

Portland, Oregon: Lisa emailed this photo the other day with the caption, Ready for Portland.

You didn't think our kids were going to miss-out on the World Indoor Track & Field Championships, do you? May I add, this little girl is a complete heart-stealer?

So our busy week began. This morning, DT dropped me off at Portland International Airport so I could greet Lisa and the two kids and help her get their suitcases, two car seats and a stroller into a rental car. Quite an ordeal, even for our efficient girl, without her husband (who has to work through Friday, when he will join us). I was happy to help.

The Royal Rosarians were greeting athletes, coaches and government officials at the airport. The volunteers helped the new arrivals with ground transportation, baggage claim, etc. The Royal Rosarians are the perfect greeters for visitors to The City of Roses.

My Munchkins, waiting for their Mom to rent a minivan. Yes, Leo has a light
saber. I can't get a pair of miniature needlepoint scissors through airport
security, yet Leo can carry a light saber onboard.

We loaded up the minivan and were back to our house in no time. It was great to have the grandbabies at our house again. But our schedules are so full this week - Dave and I headed out on official track meet activities and Lisa took the kids to have dinner with My Sister.

DT and I went to the World Championship welcome reception, hosted by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales at historic Pittock Mansion. I did not take photos of the welcome speeches, but I did take a photo of the beautiful dining room in the mansion.

Pittock Mansion dining room

After the reception, we attended the IAAF Welcome Banquet at the Multnomah Athletic Club in downtown Portland. More welcome speeches.

More Royal Rosarians welcoming IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe to Portland.

Vin Lananna and Ashton Eaton

Next, meet host TrackTown USA President, Vin Lananna, welcomed everyone to Portland, followed by the WGA thanking everyone for putting on this meet (basically everyone in the room except me). Ashton Eaton spoke of long jumping in his yard as a child and later entering high school meets... but no one can participate in a meet and become the World's Greatest Athlete if there is no where to compete. Mr. Eaton truly appreciates the work entailed to carry-off an international meet of this caliber and he spoke for every athlete of every age and accomplishment this evening with his thankful remarks.

PS: The WGA let me look at the stitches on his scalp and I was amazed at how quickly the gash is healing. What a gifted doctor to take such small stitches on his glorious head.

Until my next update, I remain, your way-behind-on-her-blog correspondent.

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