1. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    Day Off from School and Heading to The Zoo!

    • Posted 7 days ago|
    • 0 comments
    We live near one of the greatest zoo's on the planet, Hogel Zoo. It is in Salt Lake City and it is the perfect size with some really amazing animals. We usually arrive right after it opens at around 10am and we stay until naptime which is around 1pm. My kids LOVE it. And that is even an understatement. I get them out of the car and they are on the go from the moment we walk through the gate. We first hit this amazing giant ball which is floating in water and you can spin. The kids dig it and my son loves it just cause there is water involved. I have had to pull him out of the water many times. We then head straight to the monkeys. And everyone in the zoo knows we are heading towards the monkeys cause my 2 kids are screaming...MONKEY'S the entire time. They sit there and stare at the monkeys for a long long time. Sometimes I think they are having a genuine stare-off. They have all types of monkeys and we spend a solid 10 minutes at each station. Soon after we have given enough love to the monkeys, we head over to the Elephants. The Elephants are SUPER special at the Hogel Zoo cause they had a baby not long ago. And if you have never seen a baby elephant then you have not seen the cutest biggest thing in the whole world. It is still enormous...I mean like lots of tons enormous but it is still tiny in elephant's standards. We know we have hit the mother lode when mom and baby are hanging outside for us to see. Beyond the other amazing animals like the giraffe's, gorillas, tigers, rhinos, birds, and many others, they also have a rockin carousel that is brand new, it seems as well as a train. These are both the perfect break points in our cruise around the zoo. We usually finish things off with a good 30 minutes in their killer playground with giant insects and snakes and several slides. And, of course, the only thing that will get them to leave is saved for the very end. I usually bring them in to get their choice of a "frozen treat". They usually go for one of my favorites, the Push-Up Pop. I didn't know they were still around until I started going to the zoo. So, imagine this, all this fun is completed in about 2 hours. We see everything and don't feel overwhelmed or over walked. It is one of our favorite outings and because there is no school, we are heading there today. Watch out Monkeys! Here we come!

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  2. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    Lovin My Job and Sunny Days in NYC

    • Posted 10 days ago|
    • 0 comments
    I just got back from NYC where I was taping my guest appearance on Rachael Ray. I flew in on what could have been the nicest day of the year in NY. It was 61 degrees without a cloud in the sky. It felt like Spring weather. If you have ever lived in NY then you know what I am talking about when I describe the day as the day all NYers feel like it is spring. That day comes when you wake up and every restaurant and cafe have their outdoor seating up, out and ready to go. Literally it goes from NO outdoor seating to ALL outdoor seating. People are happier and the city comes to life even more. I love it.

    My spot on RR wasn't until the next afternoon so I was able to have a bite to eat with one of my dearest friends that night. We had both been so busy that we had not seen each other for awhile...and we had A LOT to catch up on. The next morning was beautiful AGAIN so I grabbed my running gear and ran thru the park to a breakfast meeting on the west side at my favorite place EVER, Good Enough To Eat. Yikes do I love NY food or what!

    Then came time for my spot. I love my job. It brings me to amazing places, NY being one of them and I truly love the people I get to meet and work with. The folks at Rachael Ray are my people. They are so wonderful it is almost illegal. I walk thru the halls there and I feel very much at home. Rachael was super fun and sweet and we goofed about Celebrity Apprentice a bit. She seemed genuinely excited about the show. I love talking to her. A real sweet heart with some serious work ethic! I have been working in the TV business for 17 years and feel extremely lucky. Yes, I know I have put in many years of incredibly hard work and tons of time away from home but I love what I do and am grateful that I still able to pull it off! Thanks Rach for the trip to NYC!

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  3. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    Back to Life...Back in the Swing of Things!

    • Posted 14 days ago|
    • 0 comments
    Sometimes I worry that my daughter actually HATES school. Or shall I say that sometimes I worry that she dislikes school for good reason. I wonder if she is being teased or if she is too shy. There were a few times when she said she didn't want to go to school and gave us a reason. But mostly, she just doesn't want to go...until she gets there and she LOVES it.

    When we come back from trips, either long or short, she has a tough time getting back into the swing of our schedule. I try not to jump in immediately but I definitely force the issue on day 2 and 3. The first day back from Whistler, I let her stay home from school. I told her it was so she could get acclimated to the time change and to catch up on her sleep. She felt very special and was a little too excited that she wasn't going to school. When she was celebrating her "stay at home day" I became a little worried as to what Wednesday morning would bring so I began to talk about it. I reminded her of her schedule..."Monday, Wednesday and Friday's, you go to school and Tuesdays and Thursdays you get to go to swim lessons with Spider." She wasn't buying it but I kept saying positive things about school. Swim lessons were awesome. And then came Wednesday. She woke up and immediately asked if she had to go to school. I said yes and you would have thought I told her our dog died. I tried my best not to laugh and also to keep the positive spin.

    In the end, you know what worked. I promised her we could paint each others nails after school. That was it. She went from total and complete meltdown to super excited all because we were going to paint nails. Do I have a little girlie girl on my hands or what?! She went to school and came home with a huge smile. She forgot all about painting nails and has since been back in the swing of things...for the most part.

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  4. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    Life In One Bedroom!

    • Posted 18 days ago|
    • 2 comments
    I LOVE traveling with my kids. I don't love all the luggage and carry-on's and car seats but I love that they get to experience life in different parts of the world. Our most recent adventure was to Whistler, BC for the Olympic Games. We were there from Feb 7th-Mar 1st. We all shared a room. Or to be more specific, my hubby and I slept on an air mattress out in the front room and our kids shared the one and only bedroom. My daughter slept in the bed and my son slept in his pac-n-play (with the the crib tent attached). We didn't have any other choice and therefore they had to sleep together. They would chit chat a bit in the beginning and then as the days turned into weeks, they began to simply love the fact they were not alone.

    They did the same thing when we went to NYC back in November. Although, this time, they came home wanting to share a room. They became accustomed to the others' company and felt lonely without it. It was so cute and touching and so I started to think about putting them both in the same room in our house. I spoke to my hubby about it and he felt the same way. If they want to share a room, they absolutely should. We LOVED the idea. Until....they decided to play a little too much. We haven't been home too long and we have tried it a few times but they both seem to chat a little too much for a scheduled life. While we were away, they could sleep in as late as they wanted. But at home, they need to go to bed at a decent hour so they can get up for school and other activities. I am so torn right now cause I love the idea of them being so close and such good pals.

    I love everything about them sharing a room and telling their little secrets at night but I don't love them giggling until 11pm...that isn't so fun for anyone the next day. Maybe I will pose the question again. If only I could video the discussion...imagine, a 2 year old, 3 year old and a mommy trying to determine if sharing a room is a good idea. Somehow I think the convo will turn to pirate's booty, apple juice and Shrek!

    2 comments

  5. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    My Olympic Update Day 15 - Amazing Achievements on Ice

    • Posted 24 days ago|
    • 0 comments

    It's sunny up here at Whistler, well kind of. The mountain is so high, so you can't really get a handle on where the snowfall starts. My guess is that it's snowing just a few feet above us. Everyday is a surprise though. I just can't believe there's only two more days left. But I have to admit, I MISS my bed.

    Normally when I'm away working live events, I miss my family to pieces. I was so fortunate to have them all here with me this time around. But, still, there's no substitute for my Tempur-pedic bed! I've been sleeping on a blow up mattress, which has been fine, mainly because I'm so tired each night. It's the little things you always miss most.

    But missing my bed is simply no comparison to how Joannie Rochette must be feeling. The Canadian figure skater lost her mother Sunday to a sudden heart attack. This amazing competitor not only gave the world two beautiful performances just days after her mother's passing, she won the bronze medal. Can you imagine how much she must miss her mom, not to mention the lingering pressure of competing as a host country athlete?

    Her mom must be so proud. I applaud Joannie for all she done. I can't imagine losing a parent period, let alone days before the biggest competition of your career. A fellow Olympian of mine who competed in Barcelona lost his father during the opening ceremonies and I remember feeling that feeling of emptiness and loss in my stomach for him. It's amazing what one person can achieve under such mind-boggling circumstances. Joannie has captured my heart!

    Just before Joannie won bronze, the Canadian Women's hockey team beat the US for gold. What a game! I know the US women are disappointed, but they should be proud of the year they've had. It's hard to suck up a defeat I understand that. But again, congrats to Canada on their win.

    Ok, I'm off again. Just a few more days left with my wonderful crew. I think we'll all celebrate the end of the games with a big dinner during the closing ceremonies. I would not have had such a wonderful time here with out my crew: LG, our cameraman, Don our audio guru, Megan and Jake, our Pas and my producer Lauren.

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  6. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    My Kids and Mascots

    • Posted 25 days ago|
    • 1 comment
    At the 2010 Olympic Games, there are 4 mascots. They are Quatchi, Sumi, Miga and MukMuk. It was almost immediate. My daughter took one look at Miga and fell in love. She new that Miga was her girl. And just the same, my son fell for Quatchi as if they had known each other for years. And, from what I have seen, they are not alone. I find that very interesting. Because, after talking to several kids this morning as I was hanging with the REAL Miga and Quatchi, I found that kids of all ages were quite taken by the mascots. It was actually very cute--the whole idea of a dressed up person in a mascot uniform. They are not allowed to talk and they are not allowed to show their real faces. But when they walk out as their characters, I immediately smile. And, kids in a mile radius seem to come running.

    My kids are split on the whole mascot thing. My daughter is very shy and although every ounce of her being wanted to run up to Miga and give her a huge squeeze, she just couldn't do it. She was too shy and Miga was just a little too real. My son, on the other hand, couldn't be stopped. One look at Quatchi and he was out of his stroller and right by the furry dude's side. He knows their names and couldn't stop repeating them while smiling as wide as possible. I find it fascinating that not only a little kid finds joy in meeting a mascot but adults do as well. Maybe it is their cute little dances or their interesting ways of using gestures instead of words. Either way, according to my kiddos, they just might be more popular than Lindsey Vonn at these Olympic Games.

    1 comment

  7. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    Keeping Up with the Olympic Crowd

    • Posted 27 days ago|
    • 0 comments
    Every Olympics that I have attended seems to have one or two items that are "the thing" to get. Here in Vancouver, it seems to be the Lucky Looney--which is a coin for those who don't know and the "red mittens". Finally, I scored the red mittens today. The funny thing is that I saw an entire wall full of them in the Official Olympic Store when I first arrived in Whistler. I remember thinking..."Hmm, these are cute. And, they are super reasonable...only $10." Boy, is hind-sight 20/20 or what. I could have bought up about 20 pairs if I wanted. But when the games began and they became all the rage, they were quickly gone and I had no clue if anymore would be coming in.

    I actually did a little feature on the "hot" souvenirs and they were the top items. I thought I might have an in as to if and when more red mittens might hit the stores. I went in and asked the sales clerk what she could tell me about another shipment. She smiled and said they would probably be in in a few days. Somehow, I remembered to stop in on Thursday and then again today. Today was just a coincidence. I had about an hour off and was walking to meet up with my hubby and kids when I saw a bunch of people holding red mittens. This was the first time I had been in with the masses when it came to a frenzy. Women were literally pushing and shoving to get to the mittens. REALLY!!??!! I stepped back for a second and began to think...am I really this person? The one who has to have the IT item? And then I dug in and grabbed out 4 pairs gently. In all, I have 4 adult pairs and 2 kiddo pairs.

    I am just trying to keep up with the masses and bring home the cool items. Right now, I have some pretty sweet pins, a few mascot key chains and several red mittens. Life is good and my hands are cozy!

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  8. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    My Olympic Update Day 11 - Olympic Mascots

    • Posted 28 days ago|
    • 0 comments
    I'm about to head out with my kiddos and hubby. We're going to participate in a "hunt" for mini Olympic mascot figurines that are hidden throughout the Olympic village. This should be interesting. I hope there's two of everything so the kids don't fight over who finds what! 

    Yesterday was a great day up here at Whistler. I was so thrilled when Bode Miller won gold in the super-combined. What a fun day for him. I also had a great time at the biathlon. Yep, I was up there again. I finished up my "Fans" feature with the nordic competitors. They were our overall winners for most enthusiastic fans. 

    Join Bode's fanpage here: http://www.weplay.com/fan-pages/211-Bode-Miller 

    Oh and how about that hockey game last night. I mean, it was a bit sad to see Canada fall to the US men. If you were standing here in British Columbia you would understand what I mean. These people live for hockey. It's absolutely their national pass-time and the devotion and energy they put into this game is intense. 

    But not all is lost for the Canadian men's hockey team. Let's see what happens.

    As for today, I know many American fans are excited to watch Jeret "Speedy" Peterson in the aerial competition. 

    Join his fanpage here: http://www.weplay.com/fan-pages/218-Jeret-Speedy-Peterson 

    My hubby Erik says he's one talented guy if he can stick everything. That's definitely going to be a well-attended event. Our babysitter, Lacy Schnoor is actually on the women's aerial team too. Crazy right. She also qualified for the finals.

    Ok, I have to get out and about with the kids. But I wanted to thank Coach C for his comments about my book, Champions are Raised Not Born: How My Parents Made Me A Success. 

    I wrote the book 10-years ago, but I believe the messages still resonates with sports parents. I'm really proud of the fact that my parents held me accountable in sports just as they did in life. I wanted to share this unique element of my Olympic journey with others because I think it's extremely important that parents don't force their kids into elite competition, rather they should let them lead the way. 

    So thanks Coach C, for bringing up my book. I wish I had more opportunities to talk about it. I wrote it for a purpose and that's to help out other coaches, parents and athletes out there.

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  9. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    My Olympic Update Day 10 - A Refreshing Run

    • Posted 29 days ago|
    • 0 comments

    It's Day 10 of the games and I'm definitely starting to feel it. By that I mean I can tell we're heading into the last few events. You just never know what tracks are going to be clear and open for competition. Every time these weather issues come up the head of the Weasel Workers, Patrick Maloney is there to save the day. 

    Maloney, a volunteer like all weasel workers, helps maintain the mountains and tracks. Yesterday he was one the clock from 3AM until the end of the races. He just can't get a break with the weather! But what a great bunch of people. The games must go on right! Thank goodness for the weasel workers.

    After spending the end of the day with Maloney I came home and went straight to bed. Early this morning I did my on air promo for the next feature I'm working on a Fan Experience piece. I'll be meeting with some Norwegian fans as well as Canadians later. I'm looking forward to experiencing the joy of fandom! But for now, I'm going to head out on run.

    I've been an avid runner since I retired from swimming. My workouts usually go out the window when I work these types of long events though. It only took me 12-days to get my first run in here. I guess I am getting a small workout exploring Vancouver for these stories. But nothing refreshes me like a good run.

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  10. Summer Sanders
    Summer Sanders

    My Olympic Update: Day 6 - Those Split Second Moments

    • Posted about 1 month ago|
    • 0 comments
    So this morning I walked my family to the Olympic bus stop near our apartment - there are various bus stops posted around Vancouver and Whistler that transport spectators, journalists and fans to events.  You know which event they saw?  Only the Women's downhill, where Americans Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso took home gold and silver!  I'm so jealous my husband and kids got to watch that performance live.

    We even had gorgeous weather today.  The sun was shinning and I could just feel the energy return to my body.  It's been a bit soggy and cold around here.  You can't walk around without feeling chilled our just plain cold.  Honestly, I think the cloudy skies were starting to affect me.  I'm so use to the sun always shinning in California or even in Salt Lake.  Anyhow, it was great weather for competition.

    I'm glad Lindsey was able to perform well.  I know I'm not suppose to cheer for anyone, since I'm working as reporter.  But I can't help but wish all the athletes luck - especially those suffering from an injury.  In swimming, injuries occur much less.  We deal with nagging pains at times, but nothing compared to the injuries suffered in football and skiing.  I actually just completed a feature on athletes with injuries for Universal Sports.  It aired just before US skier Bode Miller took home the bronze after coming back from his injury.    

    I guess hockey would be another sport where injuries are prevalent. But, the US Women's team is certainly doing just fine.  Some of the athletes are a bit bruised, but goodness, did you see the game yesterday?  The US took down Russia 13-0.  And the game before that, the US beat China12-1.  I'm so proud and thrilled for my fellow Weplay pros, Natalie Darwtiz and Julie Chu.  Keep up the great work ladies!

    Figure skating has also been in the news - well so I hear.  I'm just kind of in my work bubble up here.  I think it's great that male figure skaters are getting so much attention at these games.  They're often overshadowed by the female competitors, so what a thrill for all of them.  Evan Lysacek and the exuberant Johnny Weir both did well yesterday.  I'm looking forward to seeing what happens tonight during the free skate.

    Do you know what I enjoy even more than watching Olympians compete? I love watching their friends and family cheering in the stands.  Those are the Olympic moments that bring tears to my eyes.   

    I have a picture of my own family in Barcelona that captures their reaction as I won gold.  I'm not sure who took the picture, but it's perfect.  I think six of my family members are in it, and each one is kind of staggered so you can see them perfectly.  This image is framed on my bedroom wall.  

    To whiteness moments of pure joy, love support and accomplishment depicted on your mom or dad's face during such an exciting time is absolutely, 100 percent priceless.  Those are the true split second moments that matter most.

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  6. My Kids and Mascots