A Pirate Party in the burbs

There are so many wonderful reasons why livin' in the burbs is so great and this little party is one of them! Our awesome neighbor, Audra, decided that she wanted to throw a little Pirate party since her kids were wanting to hunt for a treasure. She had no idea that this little idea would take off...and she literally had to turn away friends that wanted to bring their kids over to participate in all the fun. Audra went all out planning the fun and ordering all the goodies so that all the kids felt super special and had a grand time looking for a treasure with neighborhood friends.

Bailey and Emma helped the little kids and also helped with setting out items so that when the little kids got there, things were all in place. Jackson had no idea what the party was all about...but once he got started, he was so anxious to see what the next stop had in store for him. Let me tell you...a lot!

My littlest pirate with Carter from the Richard's Clan. After we all met at Audra's to get our maps and take pictures, everyone headed to the first stop where they played "pin the pirate" on the map. Our pirates earned their eye patch at this stop.

Our next stop was an obstacle course where they earned their sword. The kids LOVED this!!

Our next stop was the Templins pool where they "slayed" sharks, then to the Buckners to have a snack and then to our house to dive for the "booty". All the kids had to dive and find the coins and then fill the cup to the top. Once they did that, they could get their next clue.

Here they are going to find the next clue up in the play fort.

They brought the box to Audra and she told them what their next stop would be...

to paint picture frames at the next house

and then to slide through the sharks mouth!!

They found the treasure box at the end of the street where they all had to use their shovels to dig it up! It was full of all kinds of good stuff! The kids were so excited and had so much running around to different houses and playing with their friends. Jackson couldn't stop talking about the party and how much fun he had and of course, the toys that he go while he was on the hunt. Everyone ended up at the O'Neal's eating hot dogs and cupcakes and swimming in their pool.

And if this party wasn't enough...Jerrod's family surprised the kids by driving in town to see them. They wanted to see Bailey swim and asked specifically that we NOT tell her they were coming. It was a lot of fun to see their faces when they saw their Nanny, Aunt Carey, Uncle Todd and YeeYaw (Olivia)!! How special...what a day this has been!!

Days like this are hard to beat! What fun...great neighbors, great times and a great family!

We're going to All STARS!! Yeah Bailey! Go Geysers!

This morning was an early one. We had to be at Finals at 6:30 a.m.! Bailey was so excited to race today and even went to bed early last night so that she would be well rested. Coach Derek always has something special to tell the swimmers before they head out to race and this morning was no different. He knows just how to pump them up!

Bailey is chillaxin before her first competition.

Medley relay team- First place!! They are going to All Stars!! Go girls!!

Bailey gets 2nd place in breast stroke...she's going to All Stars!! Kate took 1st Place on breast stroke so it will be her and Bailey representing the Geysers at All Stars.

SOOOO super PROUD of my girl...she qualified for individual breast stroke and the medley relay and the freestyle relay!

During this meet, I was emailing family members with the updated results. I knew they would all want to know how she did, but I was so super excited to hear from Jerrod's family all the way in Amarillo. They wanted to surprise Bailey...they are getting in the car and heading down here (10 hour car drive!) to see her swim at All Stars! We cannot wait and we cannot wait to see Bailey's face when they show up! Awesome!! Go Bailey!

Finals and Greatwood Geysers End of Season Swim Party

Yesterday the girls competed in prelims which qualify them to compete in finals for our division. All the girls did awesome! The finals competition that will be held in the morning and Bailey is competing with her Medley Relay and Freestyle Relay team, freestyle, breast stroke, butterfly and as an alternate in backstroke.

As with any commitment, when it's over - IT is TIME to PARTY!! The Geysers celebrate with pizza and good ole' fashioned fun...swimming and playing in the pool! T train even got to hang out at the pool for once. I had several people comment on how they finally get to see our "mystery child" since he doesn't come to the pool with me. After a couple of minutes, I think they could see clearly why he doesn't come with us. He had me running in circles and of course, wouldn't stay by me for one minute! We have started calling him the "T train" or "Texas Tornado" because he'll have you spinning in no time!!

NO more bottles

My Teague is finally done with bottles. He went for his 18 month check up just recently and the doctor was sure to tell me that Teague should NOT be still drinking milk out of a bottle. I have wished that he wasn't so attached to his "ba ba" but the thought of him crying at bedtime just kills me.

Tonight I toughened up and went for it...no more ba ba's in this house. He cried for just a short time and we both survived.

The LAST Greatwood Geyser swim meet of 2009

Swim team is a BIG commitment! It is a lot of work getting all 3 of the kids to practice each day, getting a sitter for Teague for meets every Monday, getting the kids ready each Monday, packing up the chairs and snacks and of course, getting them all lathered up with sunscreen. Most of the meets, Jerrod or I have a "job" to do too. It's what it takes to have a smooth running season and we are so willing to put forth the effort when the kids enjoy it like the do, but when it comes to an end...it is exciting!! We are looking forward to having a summer of "free time" where we can decide what we want to do and we don't have any commitments tying us down daily. It will be nice to just lay around the house and get together with friends.

The kids have each grown into better swimmers this year. Jackson still doesn't really know if he likes swim team so it has been a challenge to get him motivated for the meets each Monday. I think next year he will be more excited about it and more willing to participate (or at least I hope so!). When I told him that this was his last meet, he said "You promise? Will this be the last time I have to go ALL the way across the pool?!". Emma had a ball hanging out with her buddies. Maddie and Emma looked forward to the meets so they could hang out!!

Bailey's also has a great group of girls to hang out with! She really enjoys all of them and cannot wait to get to the meets each Monday!

Jackson waited so patiently when it was almost his turn to "race" or swim. Here is Emma after one of her last swims for the season.

Here's Bailey getting ready for the breast stroke. She has really gotten good at this stroke!

Emma F., Maddie, Ella and Emma are waiting patiently for their relay team ribbons!!