August 7th, 2015              

    Today is the day! The opening of the 58th annual CANUSA Games, which are taking place in Hamilton, Ontario. Drew, his U10 hockey teammates, and all of the other Flint athletes met up at Flint Southwestern Academy to board charter busses for the ride across the boarder. Once the busses arrived in Hamilton they unloaded at the Bernie Arbour Stadium, the site of the Opening Ceremonies. After listening to various dignitaries (recreation coordinators, mayors, etc.) the kids were released into groups of their respective sports. At that time each athlete was introduced to their billet family for the weekend. Drew was pretty nervous about this aspect of the weekend, but it turns out he needn't have worried at all. Ironically enough Drew was paired up with a boy named Drew (technically both of them only go by Drew - their real names are both Andrew) who also wears sweater number 30 on the ice. While American Drew typically plays on the wing, Canadian Drew is a goalie. After Drew and I exchanged pleasantries (and phone numbers) with Drew and his family, we parted ways. I have to admit, it was a pretty strange feeling watching my youngest son walk away with complete strangers...

    I have to admit that I cheated a bit with these pictures - I lumped the bus loading pictures together with opening ceremony pictures. Close enough!

CANUSA Games Opening Ceremony
	Drew and his hockey mates waiting to load the bus.
	Drew ready to go.
	Before leaving Drew was able to take this picture with some of his Lapeer Storm teammates. From the front left - Blake, Paige, Caden, Ryan, and in the back from the right - Drew, Brent (Blake's brother and a U12 player), and another unknown U12 player.
	All of the athletes assembled on the field during the opening ceremony.
	A look at some of the crowd watching the opening ceremonies.
	The honor guard proudly displaying the flags.
	The Canadian, American, and CANUSA flags.
	The sign at the Bernie Arbour Stadium.
	Some Flint athletes running in the torch...
	...and then lighting the flame.
	The Flint hockey players waiting to meet their billet families.
	Some members of the Flint U10 ice hockey team.
	Drew and his Lapeer Storm/CANUSA teammate Ryan.
	Drew and Ryan with a third Lapeer Storm/CANUSA teammate, Noah.
	Drew meeting and shaking the hand of his billet athlete for the weekend, Drew!