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.