Father's Day

Things I love about the father of my children:

• he plays with them, and very rarely tells them he is too busy (even when he really is)
• he makes them breakfast on Saturdays (smoothies and waffles)
• he is a fabulous provider for our family
• he is conscientious and always does his best in everything
• he is a hard worker, hopefully the kids will learn by his example
• he figures out how to fix things around the house, and usually lets the kids help
• he teaches the kids life lessons without them realizing it
• he is proud of each of their individual talents and abilities
• he is fair (or at least as fair as possible-sometimes it's hard to know who started it...)
• he loves their mother

Happy Father's Day to the best husband in the world. I am so lucky.

Grand Canyon State Games

Olivia competed in the Grand Canyon State Games this past weekend. She took first place in team, trio and figures. I got some amazing photos of a couple of her figures. This barracuda was the best of the night--among all 72 girls. Just to put it in perspective for all you non-synchro people, most girls aren't completely vertical, or they only get up to mid thigh. Here's a pretty typical barracuda:

And here's the girl who finished in second place for the night:

We leave for Nationals in four days, it's time to start thinking good thoughts and sending good karma her way!

Watch Out for the Paparazzi!

Olivia was recently featured in a local magazine, Kids Celebrate. Click here for the online version of the article. She'll be signing autographs, donations are always accepted! (just kidding)

Family Fun

We had lots of fun out in the pool today. It was finally hot enough that we didn't freeze when wet! We had chicken fights (even three people high, but it took all of us, so there was no one to take the picture!), lots of flips and somersaults, a display of amazing flexibilty (I know she doesn't get that from me), and even some Olympic caliber face contortions.

This video shows the best back tuck somersault of the day--and, no, it's not from the girl taking diving lessons, but from Sam! I think he might have a future in diving! It was awesome!

Look what I did!

Do you like my new background? I made it MYSELF!!! Of course, I should have been doing lots of other things, but instead I was creating useless stuff for my blog. I also fancied up the Arizona Desert Dolphin blog. What a great time waster! I love computers!

Two Thumbs

We saw "Up" tonight. It was fabulous! Sam and Julia giggled throughout the whole thing (Olivia might have been, too, but she was not next to me). The 3D was really cool (and didn't give me a headache). Funny, funny movie. We give it two thumbs up!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Sam today.

He is a BIG seven!

He opened presents and we had cake yesterday because Dad and Dan left at 5:00 this morning for Scout Camp. Poor Sam (and Julia) had to be woken at 6:00 to go with me to take Olivia to practice. But, he did get McDonald's for breakfast (one of his very favorites). He got a new game for the DS, a new swimsuit, a bag of kettle corn, money from Grandma Ekberg and a Webkinz monkey from Grandma Anne. I think he looks like the monkey. Happy Birthday to the silliest, smartest boy in the world! Love you, Sam.