congratspolinaNo matter the politics, it’s hard to stay away from the Olympics. But for those of us in San Jose, we HAVE to watch the Olympics. Because hometown sweetheart, High School Sophomore Polina Edmunds, is the break-out  figure skating star. And if we can will it into being, we’re going to help her bring the Gold home to Silicon Valley. Some of us have even more reason to be on Team Polina. My Goddaughter Amelia May is taking ice skating lessons at the rink where Polina practices. So when Sharks Ice San Jose hosted a kids Olympic Parade, we had to go. It’s kind of a San Jose civic duty. In the games Amelia May calls “The Olipsticks”, Polina is the Teen Queen and we are paying homage.

First, we had to make an Olympic torch to carry. Now part of the Sharks Ice Kids’ Olympic Parade included a torch making craft session. But Amelia May’s Mommy is an Olympic level crafter, so we were pretty sure a mere ice rink wouldn’t have all the sparkles and glue sticks that could be found at Amelia’s house.

And sure enough, Mommy came up with an incredible shiny silver torch with stars and sparkles and red and yellow flames.

And sure enough, Mommy came up with an incredible shiny silver torch with stars and sparkles and red and yellow flames.

Then Amelia picked out her Olympic outfit -- which, as you'd expect from someone born in San Francisco -- made the right political statement.

Then Amelia picked out her Olympic outfit — which, as you’d expect from someone born in San Francisco — made the right political statement.

Once at Sharks Ice San Jose, we rushed to make another torch.

Because why dream small?

Because why dream small?

We accessorized with a Team Polina badge.

We accessorized with a Team Polina badge.

And we bought this cool Polina mask.

And we bought this cool Polina mask. (With all proceeds going to cancer research.)

We connected with a skating buddy, grabbed our gold medals and we were ready for the parade.

We connected with a skating buddy, grabbed our gold medals and we were ready for the parade.

We lined up behind the American flag -- many of us in Team Polina shirts -- and prepared to march around the arena.

We lined up behind the American flag — many of us in Team Polina shirts — and prepared to march around the arena.

And we yelled "Yay Polina!" all they way around the rink.

And we yelled “Yay Polina!” all they way around the rink.

(Of course, a few of us are also Sharks fans.)

(Of course, a few of us are also Sharks fans.)

Anyway, it was all really exciting and we think we sent enough “Go Polina” energy out that it will reach her all the way in Sochi.

We had to replenish ourselves appropriately with a Blue Siberian Chill.

We had to replenish ourselves appropriately with a Blue Siberian Chill.

It's so cool to yell "Go Polina" with a blue tongue.

It’s so cool to yell “Go Polina” with a blue tongue.

Now don’t try to reach us during Ladies Singles Figure Skating. We’ll be glued to the TV cheering for our girl.