Olympic Park

2years 319days

We had a lovely morning. We left quite early and headed in to central London, had a little walk down Knightsbridge. Mummy drooled over the Maclaren show room, before we found our way to Hyde Park. Katie skipped along the paths, ran round the fountain and explored the 7-7 memorial park, before we headed up the Park towards Marble Arch. We went up Oxford Street for a couple of quick bits that we needed, and she wanted the Olympic Happy Land figures. We went back to Marble Arch to meet our friend Jess. A really relaxed and happy morning followed. We had a leisurely drink, and brunch for Katie, as she played with her happy land figures, before we went back to Hyde Park. We found a big conker tree losing them already so Katie has her first conkers now and is very proud of her "ponkers". We tried to go to the Diana Memorial Park but the paths were blocked with Olympic grandstands still. So we hada picnic lunch instead and a little game of hide and seek. Ice cream, a walk along and a singsong in the deckchairs and it was soon time to say goodbye before we headed off for the super exciting adventures..... OLYMPIC PARK!!

Katie was really good on the busy trains, the packed walkways and the heaving bridges to the park. She immediately entered into the spirit of it and posed in front of the London 2012 signs and the Stadium. We watched the Coca-Cola Future Hero dance team, we walked through the British garden, she played in the mirror tunnel, we walked along by the river surrounding the stadium. We went into the Mega Store. Where she climbed into a giant vat of Mandevilles. She kissed and cuddled three Mandeville and Wenlock statues. And most impressively, we left with only a Mandeville cuddly keyring.

As we had gone into the Mega Store, I had seen them beginning to set up the regiment for a posed group photo in front of the Orbit and the Stadium. When we came back, they had formed up properly and about 5 lots of people got to sit in with them and the Paralympic torch. Including Katie. Who wanted me in with her.

We walked over to the Park Live, we stopped everytime we saw a mounted police officer for her to stroke the horse. We queued to go in to the Mascot Arena, where she gave a huuuge soft mandeville major cuddles and kisses, and did the motion sensitive "make wenlock swim" computer game. We walked round the Riverbank Arena, the Copper Box, near the basketball arena, down to near the Velodrome. In Katie-style, she managed a free drink from the overpriced coffee stall. Because they didnt know how to price a steamed milk.

Before I knew it, the Olympic Stadium was open ready for the evening's Athletics session. Katie was fascinated by it all. We had incredible seats. We were the row directly above the Paralympic cauldron (which made it wonderfully warm, that thing gives off good heat!) right in the centre. We had a wonderful view of the finish line. She loved the warm up appearance from a real life Mandeville and was clapping and cheering along to everything.

Uncle Simon and Alicia joined us not long after the start of the events. We had a fantastic time. Some seriously impressive racing. I was rather fascinated myself, by the guided running, the seated shot put, the dwarf club throwing. The track races were brilliant. Katie got tired about 830 and had a sleep in my arms, sleeping through Mexican waves, stadium roars at 2nd and 3rd places for Team GB competitorse, medal ceremonies. Until David Weir's 1500m race. The stadium absolutely erupted. It was an incredible experience. And we had a brilliant view of the finish line. Really something spectacular.

As the evening came to a close, we walked down the stairs off our seating area. We were literally beside the Cauldron. We came out to the walkway and the Stadium and Orbit were a really impressive display of colour and light. It was such a brilliant afternoon. Every single person pulled together to be helpful, patient and smiley. And the athletes deserved every single cheer of the packed to capacity 80,000 seat stadium.