We've had a happy and sad week. Happy week because the girls won their first ribbons at the swim meet on Saturday. Despite the fact Sydney got pushed off the block bawling, (her nerves get the best of her) she took 1st place in her backstroke, 2nd place in butterfly (cried while swimming... even took time to wipe her nose during the race ..could have gotten first place) and 5th place in her freestyle. Kylie took 5th in her butterfly. They were awesome...other than Sydneys pre-race nerves. She's a little high strung like her mother. Kylie...very laid back like her Dad.

It was a sad week because Sydneys favorite school teacher EVER got married and is moving to PA and her last day was Friday. MANY tears were shed...I mean many...so then we show up at her wedding reception and she looked beautiful. Sydney gave her a hug, the lowdown on the new teacher (who is fabulous) and then we left. MANY more tears were shed. This really was a tough one for her. She LOVED Miss Murdock. Always will...she tells her in a letter she wrote. Also a sad day yesterday, my puppy got into a bag of oreos and then had black oreo diarrhea. It was nasty. But who can resist eating just one oreo? Not Ruby, but at least it isn't just me! Don't worry it all cleaned up and Tyson knows not to leave oreos out anymore! Anyway...I think we are ready for Christmas, and we are VERY ready to go see the cousins! And I am very ready for 10 days off work! HOORAY for the Holidays!

The pictures are...Kylie getting pep talk from Dad..Sydney getting comforted by dad (Dad trying to convince her to do the next race), Miss. Murdock's wedding, Sydney about to take first place in her backstroke, and Kylie's beautiful butterfly stroke.

Happy Birthday Tyson!! 7 years old!!

I can't believe it! My baby is 7 years old today. I can't imagine my life without this little boy in our family. It wasn't always that way. Besides the fact he tried to kill me several times while I was pregnant with him...he also put me in the hospital for quite a while after he was born. Then he got RSV when he was 4 weeks old and made me miss my grandfathers funeral. He was a sweet baby, so I knew it was all worth it. Then he turned one. Life changed, and this little guy gave me a run for my money like I had never faced before. I started cursing the day I had prayed for a boy. Ask anyone, this was not your typical little boy. He was a major challenge...I wasn't ready for a boy so it was a major challenge for me! He had a mind of his own, and it was his way or NO WAY!! Then gradually he started getting sweeter and sweeter, and now I can't believe what a darling little guy he is. He truly wants other people to be happy and is very thoughtful. He is always bringing me gifts, and drawing me pictures. We love him so much and he is such a special part of our family. He loves his sisters very much and is so good to them. He is my best little buddy and I love spending time with him. Very rarely do I go anywhere with out my little "shadow!" I wouldn't have it any other way! Tyson loves to fish, play soccer, swim, and spend time with his cousins. He is a great student, especially in math. I am so grateful for this little boy in our family, and the energy he brings to our home. Happy 7th Birthday Tyson, I love you!!! P. S. I know I should have done a slide show...haven't quite figured that out either!