Video of Hannah Swimming

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7985783027245027696&hl=en

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4071009426599055548&hl=en

Peoria Spooktacular Day 2

Hannah did fantastic again today.

She took first in her heat during the 100 IM. She also took 3 seconds off her time for a final time of 1:47.07 which was 9th over-all.

She took second in 25 fly with a time of 24 sec and 13th overall.

She took third in 25 free with a time fo 19.45sec. We don't know her overall standing for this event.

Now its back to the practice pool. The next meet is in Olympia at the end of November.

For the video of Hannah's Backstroke and IM, go to Google and select the video tab. Search "Madis Dad"

Peoria Spooktacular Day 1

Eight different teams and hundreds of kids came together today for the first day of the Peoria Spooktacular swim meet. Hannah swam 3 events today, the 50 yd free, 25 back, and 25 breaststroke.

She took 2nd in her heat in the 50 free and 10th overall (42.95 sec.)(out of about 60 kids)

She took 1st in her heat in backstroke and 8th overall. (22.22 seconds)
She was only 2 seconds off a USA Swimming Division "A" time in this stroke.

She was 3rd in her heat for Breaststroke (29.00 sec). We haven't heard the final standings for this event.

Tommorow we have 25 free, 25 fly and 100 IM. 

Look who's birthday it is!

It was kind of a Marilyn Monroe sort of moment.
Madi sings the "Cha-cha-cha" part of the birthday song. 

The Perfect Hug

My daughter Madelin hugged me today. Her tiny arms clamped around my neck with a vice like grip. She squeezed into me, for no particular reason, burying her head under my chin. Her hair smelled like shampoo and something else…probably dirt, or sweat or food. It was the smell of childhood.

I was drawn to how she has become quite tall for her age but still fits in the crook of my arm. It still feels as if I could envelop her delicate bones twice around. But, even as I hug her, I know the stealthy undercurrent of change is coming. In its shocking yet comforting way, it will come like a thief in the night and transform her.

It was a long hug: a tight, brilliant and warm show of affection, completely unguarded. Although I get several a day, it was special, as each is special. Finally, she pulled away. I do not pull away first, anymore. But, everyone has a schedule to keep and today, it was time to play hopscotch.

Weekend Trip

It was a quick weekend trip up to visit the Grandparents at their cabin on the lake. We came upon this location in the middle of nowhere and then we went to the highest point in the State of Wisconsin. It was about 2000'. Yes we hiked up. We started at 1800'. It was a quick hike.



Madi and Hannah each got a turn driving the boat. Yes they have several years before we start in a car. Gen is disappointed she didn't get a turn.
How perfect is this sign. In fact, you can tell the one on the right is being a BRAT.
For the video of the girls at the water park and the river, go to Google and select the video tab. Search "Madis Dad"

Time To Drive

When was the last time you saw gas prices this low.

What Rose?