Jaden's first swim meet

Please excuse the screaming in the video. For all of you who know me this is a common occurrence at sporting events, not just for my son :) It's because I was a swimmer and you learn to yell extra loud so people can hear you under water. I think I am more excited then he is. (No, I'm not!)

Jaden had a great meet this weekend in Ashland. He started the meet off with the 200 freestyle, then swam a 50 backstroke, and finished with the 100 freestyle. He was fantastic. I was really nervous because he had just started learning how to dive and that he would do belly flops on his starts, or that he would lose his goggles, but none of that happened. He didn't even get disqualified on his backstroke turn. (He ended up doing both, he hit his head on the wall, then flipped on to his stomach). I am so proud of him. After he swam the 200 freestyle I turned to Jeremy and told him that I thought I was about to cry, don't worry I was able to keep my emotions under control. He is excited to get back to practice today so he can start working on the breaststroke and butterfly for his next meet on Nov. 7th. And yes, I will be hoarse on Nov.8th.

Happy Birthday Kyla!

Why we love this girl!

1. Always happy, she always has a smile on her face. Her joy is contagious.
2. She is so smart and loves learning new things.
3. She is fearless when it comes to trying new things. I'll post the iguana pictures later.
4. She is a fantastic sister. She always plays so well with Ella. They are truly best friends.
5. She is a beautiful ballet dancer. I am so proud of her for making it in the Nutcracker this year.
6. She is always willing to lend a helpful hand.
7. She knows her mind. She is a very strong willed young lady, but she is always willing to compromise to make others happy.

We are so grateful to have Kyla as a part of our family. She always brings a smile to our faces. We love you and hope you have an amazing birthday!

Please feel free to leave any memories you have of Kyla.

Preview to Vacation Pictures

OK we do not have access to all our photos at this time. We kept filling up our cards so we would download them onto my father in laws laptop. We are waiting to get a disk with all the photos on it. Here are some gems that made it home with us. I just couldn't wait to post them! Enjoy.

Here we are at an Iguana Farm on Roatan. Lucky for us it's feeding time.

Look at those Iguanas eat.

Oops, One got to close! But don't worry Ella stayed calm and collected.


We parted as friends. Ella's bravery even encouraged Grandma to give it a try.

Way to go Ladies.

OK, One more gem just to wet your taste buds. This is us at Finding Nemo is Epcot. Check out Ella's full facial smile. It looks painful doesn't it? The funny thing is we have multiple shots of the same smile. She really gets into it, no doing things halfway for her.



Stay tuned for details on the whole 13 day long adventure. It was an amazing vacation and I am so glad we will have these memories to share for a lifetime.

Happy Birthday Jaden!

10 Things I LOVE about this boy!

1. He loves his family. He is always an amazing example to his sisters and is so good at showing them how much he cares.
2. He has a more cautious nature like his mother, but never lets his fears stop him from trying new things.
3. He works hard at everything he does and is so responsible.
4. He is self motivated. I never have to wake him up in the morning. He is up and dressed and ready to go.
5. He has an amazing mind. He asks such thoughtful questions I sometimes forget how old he is.
6. He loves to cook! He makes mean pancakes. Of course my favorite is when he brings me breakfast in bed for no reason.
7. His enthusiasm for scouting. He loves all things outdoors.
8. He is great at setting goals. He has almost got his black belt.
9. He loves to snowboard and is so excited for this winter!
10. He is going to be scuba certified and we will get to go on so many adventures together.

We love you Jaden and can't imagine not having you as a part of our family. Thank you for everything you do. Have a happy, happy birthday!

Feel free to share your favorite memories of Jaden. I'm sure he would love to read them.