Opening Ceremonies - Michigan Special Olympics Summer Games 2012

I was high as a kite (on happiness, hello) when we arrived back home from the opening ceremonies.  It has to be one of the coolest experiences EVER.

Here is Peyton in front of the Spartan Store sponsorship truck.

There was an athlete from another team on the field later that was jumping up and down while screaming his appreciation,

 "THANK YOU SPARTAN STORES!"

The energy was that positive.  

Makes me smile right now just thinking about it.

The athletes are paraded down a path into the Central Michigan University stadium with crazy cheering members of the Armed Forces, local law enforcement, cheerleaders from local high schools and the Knights of Columbus.  

I am so happy that Peyton has conquered his issues with crowds and noise because it was pretty intense.

I had never seen him so excited.  Ever.  It was an overwhelming feeling of pride, validation, fellowship and love.

There are 6,000 athletes, volunteers and chaperones participating in this year's Michigan Summer Games.  

The Coast Guard made a special trip to the Games from Traverse City for a fly by that drove the athletes wild.

Here is my handsome son with Michigan's beauty queens.  Miss Michigan is on the far left.

Central Michigan University Chippewa fullback, Adam Fenton, signing athlete t-shirts.

I think that Area 7 (ours) has the grooviest t-shirts for our athletes because they are tie dyed in Chippewa colors.

The Central Michigan University football team was so wonderful with our athletes, posing for endless pictures and endlessly signing autographs.  This meant a lot to me as a parent.

Oh yes.  My son is just under 6'.  This gives you an idea of how tall #73 is.

The Torch Run was breathtaking.  This runner brought the Torch into the stadium with a police motorcade surrounding him.  

Then there was a walking relay with the Torch for a trip around the track.

The Torch is marched up the Chippewa stadium steps to the top and with Armed Forces and Michigan law enforcement saluting, the flame is ignited by the final relay athlete.

I had chill bumps.

At the close of the ceremony, it was 53 degrees and damp.  I needed a Biggby coffee pretty bad at this point.  We thought the excitement for the day was over, but low and behold, we ran into the Campus Clowns.  Normally I really dislike clowns, but they were non-threatening, didn't make my heart race and they gave Peyton a foam clown nose.  When it comes to my personal fear of clowns, I will make an exception here.  They were wonderful to pose for a pic.

Then it was off to Biggby for my Caramel Marvel.  I almost got into a car accident trying to prematurely turn into Biggby's parking lot for my fix.

We did make it home safe and sound.

Ready for competition!

Enjoy your weekend on the right side of the grass.