From London to Tennessee

The 2012 Summer Olympics are here and we Johnsons couldn't be more excited.  I love watching the swimming, track, and gymnastics competitions and hearing of all the beautiful life stories that led each competitor to this place.  Seeing the joy on each face as countries make their way into Olympic Stadium -  whether bringing 3 or 300 athletes, cheering on the good ol' USA with thousands of other strangers around our land, watching history in the making. . . it all makes my heart so happy.

Cole got into the Olympic spirit this year as well and was counting down the days until the Opening Ceremonies.  In the week prior, we learned about the Olympic rings, the torch, the original games in Athens, Greece, and a little about London.  We watched the trials and he memorized the strokes of swimmers (butterfly is his fav) and equipment names for gymnastics.  I also found a free downloadable Olympic Learning Pack that we used to make memory cards, practice addition/subtraction, writing, pattern making, and a bingo board to use while watching the Opening Ceremonies.  We were ready!

There were loads of things for ages 2-4 that I didn't print (counting, tracing, size sorting, etc.)  Loved finding this free resource!

When Friday evening arrived, we decorated the mantle with our own Olympic rings. . . 

which represent the coming together of the five continental regions (Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and the colors displayed on a white background are those used in the flags of each country

passed the torch around the house (super, super cute!). . .

Cade started us off. . .

passed it to Cole. . .

stopped for a pic with Daddy

and finished with Mommy :)

enjoyed gold treats. . .

and settled in for a good show.

Cole didn't stay up for the entire country procession, but we recorded the show and finished watching it early Saturday morning - can't miss the lighting of the Olympic flame and the firework display :)

GO U.S.A!!

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?  So run that you may obtain it."  1 Corinthians 9:24

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7