Washington DC here we come...

We decided to go to DC for vacation this summer.  It's been a little while since we've gone so we thought it was time to go back and see things again.  

Our flight out there was uneventful and for that I was very thankful.  Tomorrow we hit the ground running.  Okay, technically it's a lot of walking but for now bed.  With this crew, we're going to need all the rest we can get.  

We call him Bucky....

And he didn't come alone this year.  He brought a friend.  I can tell that this is going to be a kind of love/hate relationship.

Now, if I can only keep them out of my beans.

Spring has sprung on the farm....

...and so have the vultures.  Really hate those things.

When there's a fire at your swimming pool...

...you pose for a picture of course.  Because let's face it.  How often does that happen, right?

And now, on to track and soccer....

Like a fish out of water, the kids try some "land" sports every so often.  So to the soccer and track fields we go.

Our littlest boy loves to play soccer and this year is no exception.  However, springtime here is often riddled with snow next to the fields and freezing parents in the bleachers and chairs.  I often wonder why in the world would I leave the comfort of my warm pool area to sit my boo-hind down outside where I have on so many layers that I can hardly put my arms down.  Seems crazy to me.

But then I watch that little boy out on the soccer field and see the joy on his face.  Truth be told, he'd probably like any sport but we had to draw the line at just doing a couple of things.  Our schedule just couldn't handle too much more.

And then there's our youngest girl who loves to run track.  She's a distance runner...look at me not surprised.  She's a distance swimmer, makes sense to me.  I guess we are just built for endurance, not so much for super fast speed.  Either way, she keeps plugging right along around that track.  And then, just like in the water, she kicks it up at the end with a powerful finish.  So exciting to watch.

Here's what I've noticed about land sports though.  When you yell and shout for your kids during their event....they can actually hear you.  Shocking, I know.  But coming from years and years of me yelling my head off to no avail because they're under the water and can't hear you, this is a strange phenomon to me.  It's so much fun!  I always ask my girl...."hey, did you hear me yelling for ya?"  "Of course, Mom.  Everyone did."

Tee-he....I call it a payback for when they were little.

Just keep swimming....

As our winter swim season came to a close, the spring/summer swim season began with only a week break in-between.  And that's how our life is....we just keep swimming.  All.  The.  Time.

The kids had a good year.  They hit many personal bests in races, which made for some exciting finishes.  Got my heart rate up and my blood pumping...no wonder I've got gray hair.  These kids make life fun!

Happy Birthday my sweet 14 year old...

You have a fiery spirit and a caring heart.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you.

We love you more than you'll ever know.

This is what happens....

....when salmon is in the oven and a cat is in the house.  Poor thing.  Oh to be so close and yet so far.

He turned 20 today....

My oldest boy came by and we celebrated his birthday today.  He turned 20.  I'll be honest, I wasn't sure we'd make it this far.  With everything that we have gone through with this one, I am thankful for these small milestones.  Like him turning 20.

His father and I are seeing some good changes in him lately.  We hope that these changes stay around for a long time.  He is such a smart and bright child with such a great future ahead of him.  But it's all about the choices we make in life.  From the smallest ones to the biggest ones.  They all affect us in some way or another.  I pray his choices are good from now on.

Remember my oldest one....today is a new day.  God has blessed you with gifts that you cannot even imagine.  Go find them.  And be the man, God created you to be.

I love you to the moon and back....

Happy Birthday my little nine year old....

Today our littlest one turns nine.  Wow!  What happened?  I mean just yesterday we were bringing him home and he was just a wee little thang.  And now....now, he's 9.  Ugh.  Make it stop, please.

I told him this morning that my baby is no longer a baby.  I got the classic eye roll on that one.  To me, he'll always be the baby.  No matter the age.  The girls say he gets away with more.  To which, I tell him that he's the fourth child and is just lucky to have clean underwear on.

I'll always say that just like my other children are he was hand picked by God.  He fits perfectly in this family.  But why am I surprised?  God knows exactly what he's doing.  To which, I am so thankful.

He chose to have his birthday a day early so that his sister could celebrate with us before she left for college.  What a sweet child.  Of course, opening his presents a day early didn't help this decision either.  He wanted a Power Ranger birthday party with chocolate cake and tacos for dinner.  I'd call it a success.

So Happy Birthday you crazy little boy.  We love you to the moon and back.

Hard to see them fly away...

This morning our oldest daughter left to go back to college.

....and my heart hurts once again.

There is no easy way to say goodbye.  I love that girl somethin' awful.  We have enjoyed having her home, but I know that this is something she has to do.  Go learn.  Experience life.  It's just no fun being left behind.

So go fly my big girl....and I'll see you in the spring.

Welcoming a new year....

My husband and I decided a few weeks ago to make a few much needed changes in our lives.  We both needed to lose some weight and eat better....who doesn't, right?  So we decided to get up early every morning and go through the series P90x.  Man, it's a killer.  But we are liking the way things are going so far.  The weight is coming off and we're feeling much better.  Which in my book is good.

I've also begun purging all through the house.  I'm ready to get rid of all of the excess we have.  It's not that we have a ton, but we definitely have things we no longer need.  Old baby toys, clothes that don't fit or are old, things the kids no longer play with.  I'm ready to clean out and get organized.  I believe in some ways that will make our lives a bit easier.

I'm sure there will be more changes this upcoming year.  I'm hopeful they'll all be good ones.  We'll have to see....