Windermere HS Swim 2018

This year the boys high school swim team made a lot of progress. With them being a brand new school last year without any seniors they struggled a bit but this year they had made big improvements. They took first in Districts and runner up in Regionals. Ty just barely lost out to States but he's hopeful next year he'll be able to make it. Considering the boys have never swam club, they get complimented quite regularly from both coaches and parents on their swimming which is encouraging. I think Ty will join a new club team just up the road to see how much more he can improve before his high school years end. So proud of both of them and how well they have done! While Ty loves to swim free and fly, Connor enjoys breast.

A few photos from Districts. I guess swimmers like to show off their muscles...haha!



Getting pumped at Regionals!






Our little tadpoles!



Coach T



Because everyone needs a nice big mongolian meal after a day of swimming...

Halloween 2018

Our days of watching excited kids prepare to head out trick or treating are just about done. This year Sage had a party to go to, Ty went to his girlfriends to hang out, and sweet Connor stayed with me to greet the trick or treaters...who hardly showed. Needless to say we were left with a stash of candy but no one was complaining about that! Here is our sweet "smarty pants"...today and everyday...

Andrea!

Andrea is my sweet German friend from Ohio. We both lived in Heritage Club and became fast friends. From lunches dates to dinner parties to golfing together to our shared interest in photography, I was so glad for her friendship and the laughs we always shared. Of course after the move we have still kept in touch so how excited I was when she called to tell me her husband would be able to take the time off to watch her boys so she could come down to visit me for a few days. While she was only able to get away for three full days we sure stuffed those days with a lot of fun! The highlights had to be our day at Blue Spring and our day at Weeki Wachi. I had been wanting to see both these places for quite some time yet with so many other options for the kids we just hadn't gotten around to it. With school in session there were no crowds and the weather was perfect. It was so fun...even if we did end up kayaking alongside gators!!!

At Blue spring we started by taking the walk along the upper trail where we could see manatees. After that we decided to rent a kayak so we could see them up close. Next time I'll have to remember the snorkeling gear!





What we didn't expect to find were all the alligators on the main river section. We had been told there was one across on the bank from where we rented the kayak but by the time we went in that direction it was gone. No worries though...before long we were finding them everywhere. Here are just a few photos of some of them and I didn't even get a photo of the super large one that we were told was close to 18 ft!!!



When I asked Andrea what were the top things she wanted to do or see in Florida the only one she said was ride a paddle board, something she had never done but always wanted to try. The Weeki Wachi seemed like the perfect place to do it. The water is known for being calm and with the river being crystal clear you know exactly what you are paddling alongside! It was fabulous. While the first half of our six or so mile paddle was frustrating for her, especially after her taking a bath within a few minutes of getting on the board, she turned into quite the pro by the end. Even I ended up taking a bath once as I tried to maneuver the go pro and my phone for photos...we had a good laugh...and a great time! Love these first couple photos of Andrea dodging the trees...





Until next time...

50 candles for Bill!

How fun it was to be invited to participate in our dear friend Bill's 50th birthday celebration at a ranch in Idaho with about forty of their closest friends. We spent an extended weekend kid free enjoying fabulous food, horseback riding, atv riding, swimming, shooting and of course getting to cuddle with their precious babies who of course were too small to leave behind with their other children. Our friendship with Bill and Anne began about halfway through our time in NYC when we met them after they got married and were in our ward. From being the boys first babysitters to being there for us when we were moving out of the City to joining us on our trip to Dubai, to baptisms in Utah we have maintained our friendship no matter the distance between us. While we don't talk to them or see them as often as we'd like, we start right off where we left off each time we reconnect. Here are a few shots from our fabulous getaway.

While the plane ride from the Boise airport to the ranch was a bit nerve wracking, it was definitely worth it for the spectacular views.



Jack in his element...






While the primary purpose of the trip was to celebrate Bill one evening was spent remembering their sweet daughter Mary who passed around a year and a half ago in a drowning accident. We all placed lanterns in the lake one evening in memory of her. This beautiful small lake that sits on the property is now named after her.



Our fabulous hosts! I can't believe I didn't get a photo of the babies!!!



Heading back to Boise on the plane with my old NYC friends Liz who was also at the party. It's probably never a bad idea to split up couples when traveling on tiny planes like these...



On the return flight to Orlando I planned a stopover in SLC and met up with my dear friend Martha who is also from our NYC days! She grabbed me at the airport and we had a great time catching up over lunch. I feel so lucky to have so many great friends sprinkled all around the world that once in a while I'm able to cross paths with.

16 years and counting...

That's how long it's been that these two have been coming to our rescue to help us in a pinch when we are in need of babysitting services! I can't even begin to imagine how many months total it's added up to that they've taken care of this crazy crew for us but how grateful we are to them. Once again they flew out to watch the kids so Jack and I could escape together to Bill's 50th in Idaho. And yes, Grandma is actually floating in our pool...Who would have thought!



Thanks mom and dad! xo

Back to School...back to reality...

Well hello 2018/2019 school year!  The boys are deep in the midst of their high school years while Sage finds herself in the midst of middle school!  Of course I find myself in the midst of shock and amazement.  I really can't believe what little time I have left with all of them together under one roof.

Here's to a fabulous school year! And no wrecks in the high school parking lot...

Big juniors~



Sweet 7th grader~