Monday, August 13, 2012

Freestyle Wrestling and a Baby Shower

Jeff and I finally got to attend our Olympic Event yesterday - what a day that was! Before I go into details, let me fill you in on the rest of our weekend. Friday was a night in for us. Jeff got back from Germany last Thursday night, so we tried out a new Indian restaurant and watched movies. On Saturday, we went to Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington to pick up our official tickets for our Freestyle Wrestling event at the ExCeL Center. After that, we went to Covent Garden for a sweet treat from Yuforia and to purchase an American flag (ended up buying a cute scarf instead) before checking out Tower Bridge, which was decorated ever so nicely with the Olympic Rings.

Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington

Waiting for our tickets.




Mandeville, the Paralympic Mascot, dressed as a Beefeater in front of Tower Bridge.


Jeff and I in front of Tower Bridge and the Olympic Rings.



Flower Seller Mandeville in Covent Garden - currently going for £1,899.00.



Tourist Wenlock in Covent Garden - currently going for £1,220.00.

On Sunday morning, Jeff and I were at the tube by 6:15am to make the trek to the ExCeL Center. On the way over there, we ran into Jared Frayer's, the American wrestler in the 66kg division, Aunt and Uncle, who are from Houston! What a small world! We talked with them a bit before the crowds at the venue separated us. Unfortunately, Frayer didn't make it past the quarter-finals, but a fellow American, Jake Varner won the gold for the 96kg division. Jeff and I were able to see all matches up to the final, which our tickets didn't include. It didn't matter though; we still had a great time! The atmosphere was amazing and how awesome it was to chant "USA" at an Olympic event!!
 

ExCeL Center in the Docklands



Entrance into the Arena.

Not a bad view of the arena.  


Jared Frayer's family.    




Jared Frayer.


Quarter-final match.


Jake Varner.


Semi-final match.


Varner after his win in the semi-finals.

Jeff and I at the end of competition.

Making our way back through the sea of 10,000 people.

After our Olympic experience, Jeff and I headed back home. I had to quickly get ready for a friend's baby shower, while Jeff packed for his mini trip to Romania (he'll be back Tuesday night). The shower was held at The Hollywood Arms - such a cute pub! We enjoyed Royal Tea, a variety of tea sandwiches, and strawberry jam and clotted cream raisin scones all while enjoying good conversation and showering Andrea with gifts for her sweet soon-to-be daughter or son (my vote's a girl but we will see soon!). It was a wonderful time of seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones! 


Part of the group.



Andrea opening gifts and Cristen (the mastermind behind this great shower).
Special made onesie - the great state of Texas with English Bulldog fabric. 

 
Me and Andrea

2 comments:

  1. What a great experience for you and Jeff! Such a wonderful time for you to be in London. Did you ever imagine back at CCA that you would be attending Andrea's baby shower in London?? I am so glad you were there. Thanks for including the pictures.

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    1. Thank you Mrs. Williams! Jeff and I are enjoying all that we experiencing here. And no - I never thought I would be in London one day, let alone with a friend from CCA! :) Andrea's shower was great (you're welcome for the posted pics). Cristen planned a great party! I'm happy to hear that the shower thrown for Andrea/you back home went well! Not too much longer... :)

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