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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