Swim Team Wrap up

So, I make all of my kids do swim team. But, they quit as soon as they are allowed (after the first four weeks) But, this kid decided she liked it and kept swimming. She went to divisionals and shocked us all and made it to the semi-finals. She was ranked 8th in Freestyle (barely snuck in) and was ranked 3rd in backstroke. We told her she could get a medal if she really swam hard and boy did she ever.

This is her right before her Freestyle race. She was so nervous she wouldn't smile for the camera. She was on the very end. Her dive was so great that she passed up everyone and got 2nd place and a medal. I was a little in shock and so excited for her.

This is her right before the backstroke race. Once again, looking away from the camera. The little girl looking straight on is the one that won first in Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly. Doesn't she look like a serious racer? Clara's start was a little slow and she still managed to pull off another second place medal. She was very proud of herself.

Look at the smile on that champion. BUT, I think the best part was dad took her to Bahama Buck after and she got the avalanche shaved ice. 32 ounces of pure sugar and ice. YUM. She earned it and we had so much fun watching her swim. We love our little racer

CONGRATULATIONS CLARA, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU

Nathan's first kiss...

Had to put these funny pictures of Amelia. She is 5 weeks old now and weighs 8 lbs. 5 ounces. She is finally starting to fill out a little. She is fussy sometimes and likes to be in her car seat. Sometimes when I need a break, I put her in the car seat and go run errands, kind of a wierd "break".

Still can't decide who she looks like.

Last Sunday the baby was fussing and Nathan was helping hold her while I finished dinner. All of a sudden he said help she is sucking on my face. Of course, it was so funny I made him wait until I could take a picture. By the time I finished, he had a nice little love bite to show for his big brother skills. Amelia loves him.

I found these little dresses for under 5 dollars each. The girls love when they can match. We have a cute little dress that kind of matches for the baby, but she is still way too small for it. They had fun posing for the camera.

We had a busy week of dance intensive...17 hours for Susanna and 12 for little Clara, mom taught for 4. Plus, we had cousin craft day with amazing sewing sisters (not me.) The girls made cute little animals (will post later) and then sleep over all around last night. Too much fun if you ask me. (and my very tired, slightly crabby children).

Thats what you get for Waking up in Vegas

Susanna, Clara, Amelia, and I took a little trip to Las Vegas last week. Susanna had a dance competition and convention and of course Amelia came for the ride. I took Clara so she could take some classes too. We had a lot of good memories and it was a little stressful with a new baby. Here are some of our good times...

We went to see the moving statues at Caesar's Palace inside this fancy mall. The girls were a little frightened by the scary statues but loved the giant fish tank. We got some good deals at the gap but the baby had a rough time and we couldn't stay long.

The girls had a good time swimming at the hotel pool. It is very hot in Vegas so I hid out and my friend watched the girls swim.

At the Bellagio, they have a garden with fountains and cool animal flowers. It is like an Alice in Wonderland theme. Susanna went with Chloe and Lizzie. Clara got to go to Circus Circus with friends so she wasn't with us on this excursion.

Later that day I took Susanna to the Dolphin reserve and Secret Garden. She loved loved loved the dolphins. They don't do a show but you can just watch them swim around and play up really close. In the secret garden there are white tigers, and other cool animals.

We ran into Brigette Reynolds and Parker Hester in the Secret Garden and took a few poses with them.

My friend had me take this picture of little Amelia. She is four weeks old and only slightly bigger than the girls bitty baby. She is so much fun and starting to get a little bigger. She was an angel and didn't cry all the way there or the way home. She must have known her mom was a little stressed and tried to help. We didn't get any action pictures of her because she was covered up or hidden from people most of the trip. She will have to wait til next time to pose for pictures in Las Vegas.

Clara is loving dance. She wants to dance all the time and try all the things Susanna does. It is so fun to watch her try things and have fun. She loved the convention and all her teachers. There were only about 30 kids in her class. (I should have taken a picture, there were over 300 in Susanna's--it was ridiculous)

This is her ballet teacher and the other two mini girls that took class from her dance studio. Lily and Sadie are her friends.

Las Vegas Boulevard. A little crazy and chaotic. The lights were cool at night. Note to self, do not ever go on a trip that has walking with no tennis shoes for anyone. Clara's shoes kept falling off and my feet hurt so bad I felt like I was 80 years old.

We stayed with Lark and Parker when we first got there and hooked up with them two times. It was short and not relaxing but the cousins loved seeing eachother. We took a few cute pictures. (I'll let Lark blog about the cool pose pictures). This was the m&m factory. I thought they showed how they made them or had a little tour but really it was a giant story with everything m&m. The kids got a couple cheap things...I wanted to buy some wierd colored m&ms until I saw they were 13 dollars a pound. Eeek

Looking back I am glad I went and I think the girls had a good time. I loved my quality time with the girls and I and loved seeing how much they stepped and helped me when I was needing to deal with the baby or needed help with something. I missed my little Eliza and my great boys while I was gone and loved how my husband took care of everything while I was gone.

We are so in love

Amelia is just over a week old and we still think she is pretty perfect. Everyone loves to hold her and love her. She's a keeper.

We can't wait til she starts to smile.

Amelia and big sister Eliza.

Clara and Amelia

Susanna and Amelia

Nathan and Amelia.

And the biggest brother of all, a great brother and protector.

Off to feed...

All the other important happenings around here

So, of course little Amelia trumps all other news in this house and we are completely in love with her. But, there are some other things happening around here. Here are a few:


NATHAN'S BIG NEWS...Okay for most this isn't that exciting but for this 11 year old, this is HUGE. This is my Nathan, the one I have known since he was 2 years old. I think he is adorable an can not picture him any other way.

But, for the past two years, he has been begging us for a change. So, a switch in doctors and we got the green light for his big change.

This kid got CONTACTS. He doesn't get to wear them all the time because of so much swimming in the summer but he is a pro. The doctor said he had never had someone get them in and out so easily. He loves them and is excited about the change. I am just a little sad. He is growing up way too fast and I loved how his glasses kind of magnified his eyes and made them look bigger. He is still working on a little bit of a lazy eye but he is one excited young man.

CLARA TURNS 6. She had a hawaiin party complete with the limbo, swimming, slushes, and tons and tons of friends. Just of few of her cousins here...Sadie, Annie, and Betsy Jones

The boys at the party, they stayed off the girl trampoline.

The girls at the party. I thought it was funny how they just kind of segregated themselves. I guess cooties start early. She had a blast and thanks for all the help from great sisters and sister in laws.

SWIM TEAM season started. I knew this would be the only meet I went to so we had a family affair at the freestyle meet. (I went into labor that night). This is Clara's first year and I think she may be my only child that has an aggressive streak. She loved every minute of it and even got 2 first places at the backstroke meet the next week.

Swimmers take your mark...

Just after touching the wall. Big Breath.

You would never know this little girl hates every minute of it. She usually only goes to one meet a year but I love that my kids get up and get going on summer mornings so this mean mom makes them do it. she ditched out on backstroke.

Nathan has to swim at 7 am and is now in the group that has to swim two laps and do flip turns. He is doing great and has fun riding his bike with all of his friends. I am really proud of him.

Announcing the Arrival of...

Amelia Rose Garner Born June 11, 2010 6:09 am 7 lbs. 3 oz. 21.5 inches Medium brown hair with blonde tips. Absolutely perfect.

I have lots to update but we decided Amelia trumps all other happenings at our home. Had to get pictures posted quick for grandparents far away...My sister took better pics, hopefully can post some of those soon.

This picture wouldn't flip

The oldest and youngest, protective big brother

How excited does she look?

Nathan and his sister

Eliza and her new best friend...hopefully she will be more tender than with her puppy.

So sweet, we love her so much already.

Our big happy family.