Autonómico Verano

 Here she goes…always giving it her all! She was not happy about being signed up for the 400IM back in April but she did it and got the autonómico time!

Today she swam the race long course, for the very first time, in lane 8. Along with the 100 breast, 200 IM, 100 fly and the medley relay. Go Bug, Go!

It was a little unsettling to put my twelve year old in a van to Elda, two hours away with her coach and 5 other swimmers. They stayed in an AirBnb in Elda, had all their meals together. We joked with Kiersten that if a male coach had 6 minors in an apartment in the states he’d probably be arrested, but things are much different here in Spain. We decided to drive down to watch her races on Sunday and I’m so glad we did. She had some great swims. And Elda was a new town for us to explore…so much like Tucson. Great job, Bug!

100 breast: placed 12th, with a time of 1:35:83

200 medley: placed 13th, with a time of 3:07:29

100 butterfly: placed 10th, with a time of 1:33:36

400 styles: placed 10th, With a time of 6:47:12

4x100m Medley relay: 6:11:12

Thanks also to their coach David for the encouragement, for trusting them and how far they can go, especially being there

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Clay Courts

Crossing things off that bucket list. There’s a first time for everything and today these two had their first go around on a clay tennis court. It’s really cool that these courts are on the girls school campus. It was hot but I think they loved every minute of it! 

Birthday Tradition

Tuesday was a crazy day! We celebrated Hattie turning 10, but she also had her first cello concert. So we decided to put off our birthday ice cream a few days. 

And then it just so happened our new NIE’s were ready to be picked up in Alzira on Thursday so we did what we had to do. The first day of summer break we drove to Alzira, stood in line at la Guardia Civil and walked away with new NIE’s. 

Afterwards we celebrated Hattie’s birthday and the start of summer break with La Caseta. Their helado never disappoints. Cheers to Hattie and summer vacation!

Hattie hits double digits!

 Feliz Cumpleaños mi cariño!

Oh how this girl has my heart!!! I checked into the hospital on June 20th, ten years ago, and she took her time. Born on the 21st…summer solstice, the longest day of light EACH year. Just a preview of the light she would be to everyone who knows her. She has the biggest heart, she doesn’t know a stranger and will do whatever she can to make sure those around her are happy and feeling loved. 

It was a great day for her in Spain. She celebrated with friends at school for the first time ever. Entrenaranjos even let me order a chocolate cake for her to enjoy with her classmates. I picked her up a little early and she FaceTimed with Bella and they opened gifts together. She performed in her first cello recital. I was so proud of her. She gets so nervous but she did so great. She even got a small gift from her instructor Ms. Maite. She enjoyed her favorite chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner. She always wants mashed potatoes, so KFC for the win. She chatted with grandmas on her iPad and even got to text with lots of other family and friends. She opened gifts from lots of family and friends. She got a whole envelope full from her 4th grade class back home, Mrs Marquardt sent her a cool new pop-it. Aunt Lori pulled through with some new wings of fire books she’s been wanting. We surprised her with a custom olive wood chess set, and probably one of the most special surprises was the dragon painting Leah did for her. Hattie’s eye lit up and you could tell how much it meant to her. They really do love each other!

Hop On, Hop Off Madrid

 I’m terrible at remember all the places that we visit. I can never recall the names. But here are a few more of my favorite sights in Madrid.