Men's Olympic Gold medal game

Like most of the nation, Emmett got up earlier than usual today.

Unlike most of the nation, he did not get up early to watch the gold medal hockey final between Canada and Sweden. Inspired by the nail biting women's gold medal game, our men's team also did us proud as they defeated Sweden 3 - 0 and captured the gold medal. Whether it was in a bar, an airport, a Tim Horton's, or on an iPhone-because-you-don't-own-a-tv-or-subscribe-to-cable, the early rise for the puck drop at 5am can only be described as a truly Canadian moment.

No, our Emmett was up AND dressed at 5:30am this morning for other reasons. Fueled by the excitement only a four year old can feel, he catapulted out of bed in anticipation of seeing...the LEGO Movie, an event that has been on the StranMcCann calendar for weeks.

 

Emmet: An ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

And really, a movie about LEGO with a main character named Emmet? No wonder he was excited.

Firsts

First hockey game - the Crowchild Classic. Other than a major upchuck all over his Dad, and some tears when the horn sounded to signal a goal, a successful outing. Emmett and Oscar's parents know they are playing with fire exposing their boys to the game of hockey. Emmett's mom lives in constant fear that she will be a hockey mom.







First flight. Other than some sore ears on the descent, it was remarkably uneventful and straightforward. Emmett was plugged into Treehouse, the parents were plugged into the Olympics, and Oscar was plugged into the inflight refreshment service, courtesy of his mom.









First visit with Gramma, full of hugs, giggles, cuddles and kisses.

Five minute major for unsportsmanlike conduct

Though he has now largely recovered from it, Emmett's NHL lockout-induced rink rage was caught on camera a couple of weeks ago.  The good news is, the only casualty was his equipment.

Games of snow and ice

Demonstrating a clear preference for ice sports requiring a low centre of gravity, Emmett's parents cancel skating lessons and sign him up for skeleton camp.

Hey, what's the worst that could happen?

And the crowd goes wild

Emmett registers his first-ever hat trick when, at 2:30 of the third period, he puts his third puck in the, er, net.

Visitors from the East

Emmett's Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Blair arrived from the east for the weekend. His parents planned an action packed weekend, including lunch at Rocky's, watching speedskating, swimming lessons, skiing, and a night in the mountains. Emmett was delighted to have them in town, and especially likes hanging with Auntie Lindsay, who supported him while he tried standing...

...and read lots of books to him...

...while his dad and his uncle went to the hockey game.

Nailbiter!

Vancouver Winter Olympics. Gold medal hockey game. Canada vs. USA.

The neighbours drop by Emmett's house to watch one of the most exciting match-ups ever. The game is exciting beyond belief. Team USA ties the game with seconds left in the third period.

Emmett's mom chews her nails down to the nub.

Emmett is completely riveted.

Then, Sidney Crosby scores the winning goal in overtime, Canada wins gold, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast go completely crazy.

All of Canada, that is, except for Emmett.

Introverts vs. Extroverts

The Chinese women's hockey team locked up 7th place (out of 8 teams) with a 1-4-0 record in the Olympic hockey tournament yesterday. Seeing them in action on Saturday, Kate's dad and Emmett's dad pretty much decided that winning might be more likely if they make like the Swiss and focus on their opponents rather than on themselves.

Emmett, of course, couldn't care less about the Chinese hockey team. He tends to cheer for one team and one team only.

As close to the action as you can get!

No, that's not a V for Victory, it's a '2'... as in 2nd row at the Saddledome. Watching NHL hockey can be exciting. Actually being at the game is even better. But when you're seated in the second row, holy shnykies, it's like watching a completely different sport. A couple of frosty beers with good friends, a winning effort by the Flames, and you've got a near-perfect evening!