12 Steps

Hello. We're the Jacksons, and we are addicts.

We can't help it. We love the high, the rush, and the adrenaline pumping through our veins. The colors, the music, the flames skidding across our vision. The feeling of invincibility that comes from watching others do crazy stunts and impossible tasks.

Did I not mention I was talking about the Olympics? I probably should have...

For as long as I can remember, we have geared up every two years for that magical story known as the Olympics. We were filled with pride when Kerry Strug landed her final vault with a broken leg and the US won gold. We cheered as snowboarding became a recognized sport, cried with Michelle Kwan every time she came up short, and watched in awe as Michael Phelps made history. In 2002, when the games came to our backyard, we made the pilgrimage to Salt Lake City and our love affair with the Olympics was only intensified. My mom and I came up with several crazy ideas that would allow us to go to Vancouver, but unfortunately this is the year that myself and all of my siblings are broke. :( Maybe next time.

But we couldn't just let the massive occasion go unnoticed. So we made our own Olympics. Last weekend, the whole clan gathered together to celebrate the sport. Oh sure it may have been President's day, and Valentine's Day, but these were mere coincidences, passing ships in the night. For us, it was all about those 5 rings.

Totally awesome "Team Canada" mittens

The Jackson figure skating team - 2010

"Believe"

Bonding time.

Ok, we threw a little Valentine's love in there, too.

(most of) The crew.

As always, the games have not been a disappointment! I hope you haven't missed Apollo Ono making history, Bode Miller's fulfillment of unrequitted dreams, Lindsay Von's heroics, Shaun White's epic run, or the US Hockey team upset Canada. Go World!