Teenage Bug!

 No longer a baby, today our middle turns 13! She got converse, clothes and cash for her birthday…and a sushi squishmallow from her sisters. She’s a bit fiery, just like her mild ginger locks. She knows what she wants and never settles. She’s as type A as they come…but she’s also kind. She loves big and once she’s on your side you’ve got a friend for life. I don’t know how we got here so fast, but I’m ready to see her take on the teenage years and grow into an even more amazing young lady.  Cheers to lucky #13, my little love bug, our sweet Kiersten Laura.  

Gator Girls

Was it a great weekend of swim?…Yes it was! Did the girls have a lot of great time drops?…Yes, they did! Are we beyond exhausted?…also, Yes. But what an exciting weekend at the pool. 

Leah and Kiersten dropped in almost all of their races. Kiersten dropped 17 seconds in the 200 free to take 1st out of no where. Oh how I wish I had recorded that race. Leah dropped on her 100 back (two weeks in a row) to take the top honors. She also dropped on her 50 free to get the state cut she wanted so badly, and then dropped on it again later that afternoon when she was the starting leg of the relay.

The Gators took home a lot of accolades. The girls overall took 2nd place. The 13/14 year old girls took home 3rd! Keep grinding, girls…one more meet to go!! 

Hattie at Districts

Hattie shined her light bright this weekend at YMCA District Championship! She had same fantastic time drops today and had 4 podium finishes. Next up YMCA State Championships! As much as I love to see her swim, I love watching her be an encouraging teammate and cheerleader for her friends even more. Well done, kiddo! Next up, Y state.

Regionals Day 2

 Did I mention there was a big swim meet this weekend?!?! I’m so darn proud of these girls…the whole Gators team, actually. I had the best time cheering them on and they had so many great races and podium finishes. That’s what happens when you have great coaches!!! 

Kiersten finished on the podium in every race but one. She dropped time in every race but one. She rocked her 100 back and took the top honors. Dropped in her 50 breast to take second. She knocked another two seconds off her 100 free and moved from the #13 seed to 7th place.

Leah was so anxious for her 100 back. She was seeded 6th out of 9, and said she wanted to drop time and place no lower than 6th. She dropped .6 and took 3rd. Boy was that a fun one! She was in lane 6 and Kiersten was standing next to the lane cheering her on. Love how they lift each other up. Can’t wait for YMCA Districts next week. Keep going, Gators!! 

Regionals Day 1

This is what they work for!!! We’re nearing the end of the swim season. And today was a GREAT first day at USA Swimming Regionals for Kiersten…she showed up and showed off!! Two weeks ago she dropped two seconds on her 50 free to get the regionals cut and this morning…3 hours after warmups, she knocked off another 1.7 seconds moving from the #12 seed to 4th place! She took 4th in her 100 breaststroke…but she wasn’t happy about it. That’s probably because it’s her favorite swim.

Later in the afternoon she knocked 3 seconds off her 200IM time moving from #8 seed to 6th place. Back at the pool for more racing tomorrow! Go Gators!

Dress like a teacher

 Our school does a great job with club and activity promotions. This week was for FFA, future farmers of America. Wednesday was “Dress like a teacher” day and these girls nailed it! Leah was looking like Mrs. Downs and Kiersten was Coach Fox. Our buddy Ryan was twinning with Mr. Roberts and I dressed like Mr. Weirman. We had a lot of fun with it!