Olympic Trials Adventures

We had such an amazing time at the Olympic Trials in Omaha. I never thought I'd be so fond of Nebraska! It was such a great experience and it was so sad when it was over, but we are so grateful for Mom and Dad Connolly for making it possible to have this wonderful adventure!

Its important to note that we DROVE to Omaha, which is on the far eastern side of Nebraska. It was a mighty trip. Chris drove the whole way there (we spent the night in Cheyenne, WY, which was half-way). He did a great job. In the middle of Nebraska, we stopped for gas and saw this sign (oh, how true it was):

When we reached Omaha, they were ready for the swimmers!
~World-Class Experience~
One of the things I loved most about going to the Trials was just the amazing experience it was to be there. I love the Olympics, and I am just in awe of the athletes that are at the Olympic level. The pool was so beautiful, and the swimming was so much fun to watch (and I've never been really that into watching swimming other than watching the Olympics every 4 years).

We got to see 8-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps up-close and personal!

His muscles were very impressive!

But his level of swimming is amazing and it was so much fun to watch him!

So many of the records look like this (all Phelps):

This is Phelps in the center. Before every race he would flap his giant wings like that!

We got to see him set a world record.

We actually got to see 6 world records!

Action shot of my favorite, Peter Vanderkaay.

~Family Time~

Our trip was also great because we got to spend time with Chris's family.

The Connolly's in front of the Qwest Center (minus Jenny, who was warming down).

Sarah likes Phelps more than a friend. Jenny and Chris
Me and the amazing Dara Torres. She's 41-years-old and the mother of a toddler and she is returning for her 5th Olympic games! She made the team in the 50 free and the 100 free.We all enjoyed posing next to the swimmer pictures. . . except Chris. I forced him to stand next to Phelps and smile. He did not appreciate it.

I have a new man in my life . . .

The littlest Connolly Family
In front of the Qwest Center

Chris and I enjoying our box seats. Thanks Indiana Swimming!

The whole fam damily

Connolly sibs + 1

~The Reason for the Party~
And last but not least: the beautiful Jenny that made it all possible.
She did great! She made it to the semi-finals and
finished 11th (they only take the top 2), which was so good.
She also gained really good experience which will help her a lot in 4 years.
Mark your calendars for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London!

Jenny preparing for the semi-final.

Jenny (lane 3--see the numbers on the block? That took me a while to figure out.) and Natalie Coughlin (lane 4). Coughlin is the gold-medalist from 2004 and actually broke a world record in this race, with Jenny in the next lane over!

~A Little Perspective~

While in Omaha, we had the opportunity to visit Winter Quarters. There is a visitors center, a pioneer cemetery, and the temple there. It was a great experience to be there and feel the spirit of the pioneers who lived and died there. We were headed home the next day, and this really made my 14-hour drive from Omaha to Provo in a 2007 Honda Accord seem like nothing! I'm so spoiled. The whole way across Nebraska on the way home I just kept thinking: "At least I'm not walking . . . or pulling a handcart . . . or giving birth in a wagon in the middle of nowhere".

Chris and I in front of the Winter Quarters Temple.

The famous monument of the pioneer husband and wife that stands in the pioneer cemetery.

Well thats our trip! Sad how fun things get over so quickly! But its always nice to get home and sleep in my own bed.