Little Bits of Nothing

So, we're spending the weekend in Blanco, visiting Grammy and Grandad. Madelyn is super excited that she gets to spend the whole week here at "Grammy Camp". They have horseback riding lessons scheduled (to which Madelyn said - we're going to jump over things), farm animals to tend to, eggs to gather, lots of fun activities, and general hanging out with Grammy and Grandad. She is going to have a blast, and I think by Friday, Grammy and Grandad are going to need a week just to recover!

This morning we set the alarm, and the girls went on a nice walk before it got too hot. We walked up to the high school track, around the track 4 times, and back home. All in all, we clocked it at 3.3 miles. And since it was still early there was a nice breeze and the sun wasn't really out yet. It made me feel much better about having mexican food for lunch (I monitored chips and salsa intake, and ate half my meal - chicken nachos - yummy, and though not the best, could have been worse. I've discovered that it's really difficult to eat out (which is good for the budget). On the way to Blanco, our choices are really limited to fast food. Trey really wanted Whataburger, so I did my best to have the least of the bad. Again - not the worst, but not the best. All in all, I'm finding it better to try to eat at home as much as possible. Tonight we are going into Austin to have dinner with Clay and Kelly and celebrate Tom and Tina's 24th wedding anniversary. Wow - 24 years! That is definitely something to celebrate! It is so inspiring and amazing to see how much they love, admire, and respect each other after such a long time.

I'm getting really excited about my trip to California with mom. Well, first I have to work, but even that is always a good time - nice change of the routine, spending lots of time with the girls in the office and our reps at St. John (who are truly great to be around!) - it makes work not feel so much like work. Mom flies in on Friday (I work until Saturday afternoon), and then we head to LA for a few days of vacation - girl style! I'm so looking forward to spending some good time, just the 2 of us! We have some good things planned, and some open time to just do what we feel like at the time too. I get home on Wednesday, to spend the rest of the week of vacation with Trey and Madelyn. Ahh - heaven!

I'm learning

This week I'm learning about... PRIORITIZING. If I have 21 points to use in one day, and I use 26 at lunch, then I don't get to eat dinner. Or at least nothing good. Oops! Oh well - lesson learned. But I did stick to it - I had salad, cucumber, and an english muffin for dinner. Only 2 points. Thank goodness for my 35 weekly additional points. Big bummer though if I use all of those by Tuesday!

At least I made it back to the gym this week. Tuesday night was my own cardio for 30 minutes and weight training for 30 points. It gives me 3 extra points, but I'm not counting any of my "activity" points - trying to keep those just plain incremental. Today I went back to step for the first time. I was REALLY nervous on my ankle, but I loved being back in class. I made it the entire hour (7 points - woohoo!!!) and only felt uneasy at one step - the lunges (where I twisted my ankle last time). I found a great ankle splint for extra support for a few months to make sure I don't have any problems.

Today, Trey went back to the doctor for a checkup on his toe. He got the stitches and the pin out. It looks GROSS! But the doctor was very happy with his progress so a week and half longer in the boot and then he may be back in normal shoes!

Life is all about...

Life is all about... FRIENDS

Tonight, Trey and I had dinner with Mark and Michael. They were in town packing up their house (which they are very happy sold!), and getting the last of their Dallas lives moved to Portland.

Seeing Mark was bitter sweet. It made me realize just how much I miss being able to see him all the time. It's amazing where friends develop from, and I am so grateful that he is one of my greatest friends. It's such a wonderful feeling to have someone that you know will be there if you need them - whether a shoulder to cry on or for a laugh on the other end. And we sure do laugh! Both Mark and Michael looked great - happy, healthy, and adorable! There is something about Mark just being in town that gives me an energy. Anyway - we (Trey and I) both really enjoyed catching up and I especially loved being able to give a big hug to my friends!

Life is all about... BEING HEALTHY

Today I started weight watchers! (And then went out to a big dinner with friend - oy vey - not a good way to start!) But knowing I was going to dinner, I planned the rest of the day to have balanced, but low point options to "save" as many points as I could for tonight. I still went over, of course. But I tried to watch my portions, and at the end of day, I didn't do as bad as I could have! It's not easy - let me tell you, but the thing I like about weight watchers is that gives me options to try to stay within the plan, while still enjoying things like going out with friends. I still believe that I refuse to completely alter my life - I want to be able to go out to eat, have dessert if I want, or a not the best for you meal. But it means that I have to work around it. No more bad stuff for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!! So, it's only been 1 day so far, but life is all about being healthy - so here I am trying! Wish me luck - I need all the help I can get.

Life is all about... NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Tomorrow Trey has a job interview - woohoo!! It's for a position still within Neiman Marcus, but at NM Direct (catalog and online). The position is a Manager over receiving and vendor compliance for 2 locations - NM Direct and Pinnacle Point (one of the distribution centers). The downside: it means we no longer commute together and therefore - no more HOV lane (bummer for me since I'll be the one going downtown still - and double bummer for me - no more naps on the way to or home from work!). The upside: It sounds like a great position for him - new challenges, new opportunities, new people. From what we know so far, it seems to be a great fit. And of course a promotion and more $$ is always a plus! So fingers crossed and well wishes for Trey!

Cheerleader = Cheer + Leader

Tonight, April and I joined Lene, Dani, Michael, Margie, and Gina at SMU to see Jackie cheer. GO PIERCE GO!!! It was really cute. Jackie is at cheer camp, and today was their first full day. There were tons of schools there, and each one in their group (about 8 schools) had to get up in front of everyone and do 2 cheers they learned today. Some of them were really bad and very funny. But that being said, I know they were a hundred times better than I could have done and I completely admire these girls for getting up there in front of all these people to be critiqued by a panel of judges. Of course, Jackie's squad was the best. And although I am biased, I can honestly say it too. There were a few other schools that were really good, but I definitely thought they were the best. April was hilarious - she was a cheerleader in high school, and she totally gets into it! I asked Lene if she thought Jackie might just do this for a year and move on - sounds like no such luck. I'm trying, but I just can't get into the cheer thing. But I do love seeing my Jackie up there, and if she likes it, then more power to her and I'll love going to watch her! Just don't expect me to get all dolled up in Mustang wear and put ribbons in my hair! You laugh, but let me tell you... some of these moms are clearly reliving their youth through their daughters. Let's just say - a piece or work! It makes for some good people watching at least! I'll post some pictures once Lene sends them.

And did you know that a list of famous cheerleaders includes: Madonna, Paula Abdul, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Ronald Regan, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George W. Bush, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Eddie Van Halen, Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Fergie, and Tina Turner - just to name a few.

Well, it's been a hectic, busy week...

Sunday: I went to step class in the morning, and big bummer - twisted my ankle. I have to say I'm surprised it's taken this long. I've taken probably about 8 classes and have seen 4 people "fall" off their step. Now, I'm part of the statistic. I felt a little uneasy on it during class, and then about 3/4 of the way through, I stepped off wrong and completely fell on my tuchas! I would have been embarrassed, except for the fact that like I said, you are in the minority if you haven't fallen off the step. Of course April came darting over, and the instructor to make sure I was okay. I seriously thought I wasn't going to be able to walk on it. But someone else in our class brought me an ice pack, and I just sat out and watched the rest of class. It's doing much better now, but still pretty swollen and tender. I'm now looking for a good brace so I can get back to class, and protect from rolling on it.

Sunday afternoon Madelyn, Jennifer (her mom), Stephanie (her aunt), Hollie (her cousin), and I all had a girls afternoon. We went for ice cream (who doesn't love that!) and to see a play at the Dallas Children's Theater. We saw A Year With Frog and Toad. It was really cute, and we all had a great time visiting and spending a little girl time together. Madelyn was precious, and she and Hollie were SO happy to see each other! And she was super excited to see her mom. I really loved spending the time together - we're all very lucky to have each other and have such a great relationship. I think it's super cool that Madelyn has the situation she does, and that I can call Jennifer my friend. It was bitter sweet though, since it meant saying good bye to Mads for a few weeks. Although I am enjoying sleeping in a little later in the mornings again and not having to worry about getting her up and ready as well as myself! She has 2 weeks back in Waco with her mom and Terry and then 2 more weeks back with us. We had so much fun in our first set of summer time together. And Madelyn had a great surprise for her return back to moms... Klaus - their new puppy! She was SO excited - she just couldn't stand it! Jennifer sent a great picture of the two of them together - very sweet!

Monday: Monday started a busy week at work - getting ready for market, planning next season, blah, blah, blah. At least it's a good time to be getting busy since I don't have to jet out of work early to get Mads from camp. So, although it's busy, it's also been productive. Monday night, April and I went to Lene's to swim laps and get a little exercise in. I was nervous about kicking with my ankle, so I did about a mile's worth of laps primarily using my arms. Then Dani got home and jumped in, and the 3 of us played volleyball in the pool (well - at least our version of throwing the ball over the net) while Lene and Michael sat on the deck and visited. It was really nice and relaxing. I love going over there!

Tuesday: I spent the morning at the eye doctor. Yes - more doctors visits, but the more I can get in before August and the start of our new plan year, the better! I saw a new doctor and I really liked him, and the office. And since my primary doctor (who I love and referred me to the cardiologist I love) recommended him and goes to him personally - that's a plus. They seemed to be thorough, and listened to what my needs were. He seemed to be pretty knowledgeable of Lupus and the possible effects the disease is having on my eyes. And he knew my Rheumetologist so that made me feel good. All in all, my eyes look fine and he is having me try some things to help with the dryness. They are ordering me two different contacts to try, so hopefully I am getting back on track - we'll see. Tuesday night I got home from work to find April making dinner and having it almost on the table when I got home. It was really yummy and very cool to not have to worry about! I love having her around!

Wednesday: Another busy, but VERY productive day at work. It was my divisional's birthday. We love birthdays at work - any excuse for sweets!! We ordered Tiff's Treats - hot fresh cookies delivered to the office and I brought in a gallon of ice cream - YUMMY! Trey and I went to dinner with old friends we haven't seen in a really long time - Rachel and Craig. It was great to see them and catch up. Good food, Good company, Good times!

Thursday: Well, that brings us to today. This morning was a SUPER exciting event. The NM Best award. You see - there is this award that we do at Neiman Marcus every year. All of the associates nominate a person that they feel is THE BEST. It's the pinnacle award you can receive, because you are nominated by your peers. Then a select committee of judges who consist of previous winners, VPs, etc. all meet to discuss the nominations and make a final decision. Well, this year, my coworker was announced as NM Best. Dana SO deserved this award, and I am incredibly excited for and proud of her! She is amazing to work with I am so grateful that she is my friend! Congratulations Dana!

So that's it for now. I'm currently viewing a Lupus Live Chat about Lupus and UV Light. Maybe I'll learn something new!

K - I - S - S - I - N - G

So today we went to Mindy's house to hang with the Tulbert - Federick clan, and swim. We had tons of fun!! Mo grilled burgers, I held precious Brady for a good while (man that baby is adorable!!), we all chatted and sat around being lazy together, and the kids swam for a good while and played together. We really had a great time. Especially Madelyn and Alex...

Madelyn and Alex were "caught" K-I-S-S-I-N-G. Well, actually Madelyn told on herself so I guess they weren't exactly caught. Madelyn said she kissed Alex on the cheek, and when I told her I thought she was a little young to be kissing boys, she replied with a very logical - "Well I liked it, and he liked it". (Some thought for future pondering: Is Daddy proud of his "mini-Trey" with her logical answer when it involves her kissing a boy?!) What do you say to that?? I didn't really know what to say, so I just gave it my best - well I still don't think you need to be kissing boys yet.

So then I was talking to Jennifer and Madelyn keeps saying in the background - tell mommy I kissed Alex on the cheek 4 times. I'm thinking - oh no - I'm not being the bearer of that news. It's bad enough I have to tell her dad, I don't want to have to tell her mom too! If there are 4 parents making a united front against this - does that give us a better chance of handling it well? I thought we'd have more time to figure this one out... I guess when we got the most talented, intelligent, advanced girl in the class - it meant not just in brains and wit, but in life too?!

So all of you that are reading this who have "been there, done that" - any advice? And those of you that are laughing at us because you're not there yet - just wait until it's your turn!

Trey's surgery is complete and he did great. The actual surgery took only about 30 - 45 minutes, and we were at the hospital for only 3 1/2 hours. The hospital was really nice - they give you a pager like in a restaurant when you check in, and they use it to page you when the nurse is ready to take you back, when the Dr. was ready for me afterward, etc. It's quite fancy...

When Trey came out of surgery, the Dr. came to talk to me - let me know everything went well, etc. and take me back to recovery with him. Trey was HILARIOUS. I wish you could have been there to hear him... Apparently, when he started to wake up, the first thing he said to the nurse was "When can I eat?". She asked him what he wanted and he said Mountain Dew. Then she said - we have pudding and ice cream - do you want one? Trey says - Both. She asked him Chocolate or Vanilla. Trey says - Both. He downed 2 puddings, and a package of peanut butter crackers like he hadn't eaten in weeks. Then he kept asking me what was for dinner. He asked me 4 times - and every time got very excited when I said the same thing! Then he started rattling off other suggestions... Whataburger, Campisi's, Olive Garden, Babes - just to name a few. Oh - and he asked me what time it was about every 4 minutes... He was really very funny. The recovery nurse and I just kept laughing!!

Madelyn's last day of camp was filled with fun and games. She had a really great time and she was so excited about her t-shirt. She said that all the other kids just had ordinary shirts - only her's was special. Way to go Dad!

Super Dad

This is a story I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to share...

So today I get a call at work from Trey, retelling a conversation he just had with Madelyn on the phone. It went something like this...

Trey (laughing): You'll never believe what "your" daughter just did.
Sarah: Oh no - what?!
Trey: She called me to tell me that the shirt she was supposed to take to camp to decorate today got left.
Sarah: No it didn't - I put it in her bag.
(Narration: On Monday, we got a notice that on Tuesday, Madelyn needed to bring a plain white t-shirt that could be decorated with her name / team name, etc. for this Friday's Olympic games against the other Plano camp).
Trey: Well, after a few minutes, I finally understood her that it got left at the other camp when they were told to bring it with them.
(Narration: On Tuesdays and Thursdays their camp goes to the other Plano location for swimming, and the counselors told the campers to bring their shirts with them - they were going to decorate them there.)
Trey: Apparently she doesn't understand English when the counselors told them to bring it with them and she thought she was supposed to leave it. So she didn't have it to decorate when all the other kids did at the other location.
Sarah: Oh no! (I'm thinking... "I'm so glad I rushed out to Walmart to get a plain white t-shirt that HAD to go to camp to be decorated the next day, for it not to get decorated the next day, or the next day, and then get forgotten on the day it was needed!" I'm also thinking... "Oh no - she can't be the only one not in her team shirt - that won't fly!!")
Trey: So Madelyn says... Daddy - I need you to decorate my shirt for me tonight. I need it to say "MSG" on the front, and the #12 on the front and the #12 on the back, and I need it for tomorrow. So, I told her that I'm not sure if I can or if we have the right things to do it, but I'll try.
(Narration: Well, you all know Madelyn - stubborn, relentless Madelyn. Who says... But Daddy, I really need you to. So, Trey tries to explain that he'll try, but he can't promise he'll be able to do it because he doesn't want to disappoint her if he can't do it, to which Madelyn says... But if you don't do it, I'll be disappointed. Like father, like daughter!).
Trey: So, do we have a permanent marker or something at home that will work?
Sarah: Yeah - you can just use a sharpie, or I can do it when we get home from the play.
Trey: Will that work?
Sarah: Well, you could go to Walmart and get some fabric markers in a few colors.
Trey: I don't want to go to Walmart - will anyone else have it?
Sarah: Michaels or Hobby Lobby - and then you can ask someone for the right thing - just tell them what you are doing.
Trey: I don't know where Michael's or Hobby Lobby are.
Sarah: Yes, you do. Michaels is in the same shopping center with Old Navy and Bed Bath and Beyond. At 15th and Alma - you can stop on your way home from work. And if you want - just get the markers and leave it for me and I'll do it when I get home so it's in pretty handwriting.
Trey: Gee - thanks. Is my handwriting that bad?

So, some time passes, and Trey calls me back...

Trey: I was telling the girls in my office about Madelyn's shirt dilemma, and they had a good idea... I can get those iron on letters and numbers and then not have to write it.
Sarah: Yeah - that's a great idea.
Trey: Do we have an iron?
Sarah: Yes!
Trey: Where is it?
Sarah: On the cart in the laundry room, with the detergent.

So, now it's 11:30, and Madelyn and I just got home a little bit ago from seeing High School Musical (which was great by the way!). You all have got to see this t-shirt! It has MSG in red varsity fabric letters, #12 in bold black professional looking #s. A huge sequin heart, sequin lips, and a beaded flower on the front - all beautifully, strategically placed. On the back is another bold black #12, a fabric sunflower, and an angel. He went so above and beyond, and Madelyn just loved it!!! She was so excited - hugging and saying that Daddy is the best Daddy in the world! And he is...

Although now this little camp project went from a quick trip and a $3 white t - shirt, to an extravaganza and another $25 at Michaels... But to see the smile on her face was so worth it. I'm so proud of her Daddy!

Random Updates

So I went to the Dr. on Monday, and am really bummed that I'm going to have to stay on the steroids still longer than I expected. Some of you may not know that I had to go back on them after only a few weeks off. I was really upset, but what do you do? At least it was a smaller dose than I had been on. So I've been tapering yet again for the last several weeks, and I expected to be off again by late July. But it looks as though my Dr. wants to hold me at the low dose for about a month. That was to put me into the middle of August, when I have a followup visit with him. But, when I made my next appointment, they were able to squeeze me in a little early so I can get one more appointment in before our new insurance year starts. And you can bet I am trying to get as much in before our medical expenses start over again!

Tomorrow, Trey is having surgery on his foot / toe. Apparently, the tendon is too long for the rest of the toe (or the bone or something like that), so he is having surgery to have it straightened out. They have to shave off some of the bone, and put a pin in his toe - OUCH! It seems less painful to leave it the way it is. But after years of discomfort and annoyance from it, he is getting it fixed. And just in the nick of time!

We just got home from seeing High School Musical. It was awesome - Madelyn really enjoyed it!! She was so glued to the stage and every time I looked over at her - she was beaming! She was bebopping and dancing along in her seat. It was really great. Thanks Leenie for the fabulous tickets!

Action Packed

Thank goodness it's almost Friday. I am EXHAUSTED! This week has been so filled with things (at least that makes it go by fast)...

This weekend we got April signed up on Match.com. She was very hesitant, but ultimately decided - what the heck. So she's giving it a try. We had a lot of fun creating her profile, and even more fun looking at others!! She's immediately got some "winks" and emails, and it's made for some good times!!! We haven't laughed this hard in a while. There are some really interesting (weird, crazy, scary, funny, odd) people out there. We did find a few cuties to contact so we'll see what happens. In the meantime, we decided it was cheaper than going to the comedy club and giving us just as much, if not more, good laughs. And you never know... At any rate, I so admire her bravery and laid back attitude - it's a scary world out there and she just keeps knocking down her barriers!!

Madelyn's last week at camp has been a busy and fun one. Yesterday they went to Six Flags. When I dropped her off in the morning and told her to have fun, one of the counselors said something about the rides. I told him she would ride anything and he said, "that's what they all say until we get there". I warned him - not Madelyn - she'll really will!! Well, sure enough when she got home she wasn't too happy that they wouldn't let her ride the biggest one because she wasn't tall enough! She is so fearless. It sounded like she really had a great time, though. April picked her up, and took her for ice cream after camp - spoiled rotten. They had a blast.

Last night we went to our weekly step class at the gym. I've really started to like this class, and the instructor, and I'm getting the steps down pretty well. Last week I had a really hard time with one step, and this week - I got it! The problem - our room was 80 degrees!!! RIDICULOUS! Tomorrow I'm doing another step class, Saturday is water aerobics, and Sunday is step. WOOHOO - that means I can eat ice cream this weekend!

Tonight April and I are taking Madelyn to see High School Musical as part of the Dallas Summer Musicals series. Lene and the girls didn't want to go, so she offered us her tickets. It's going to be a late night for the princess, but it is summer afterall, and this is a total treat for her. On Saturday we're going swimming at Mindy's with the Federick clan, and on Sunday we're going to see A Year With Frog and Toad at the Dallas Children's Theater - we're having a girls day with her mom, aunt, and cousin Hollie. It will be tons of fun! I think I need a day off next week just to recover from it all...

Lazy Days

Well, much to my dismay, we never made it to the games this weekend. Bummer. But what a nice weekend of nothing. Don't ask me what we did all weekend - I'm not sure I could tell you. Well, that's not entirely true. I can tell you one thing we did... eat! We ate great food, and more great food, and junk food, and more junk food. Kim made Tres Leches for Treybaby - yummy! Mom made a low bad stuff strawberry shortcak - also yummy! We grilled all weekend (well to be more accurate, Trey grilled, but I seasoned.) It seemed like we ate all weekend. And we just hung out around the house, ran around some, watched a few movies, talked, etc. It was really nice. But I am really bummed we didn't get to the games...


We got home a decent time yesterday and went to Leenie's for some swimming. We ended up playing volleyball (well kind of - Lene and I against April and Madelyn), and before we knew it, it was 10:00!


This is going to be a busy week! The girls come home on Tuesday - YEAH! Madelyn's last week of camp... Trey is having minor surgery on his foot on Friday... I have lots of gym activity needed to work of this weekend's "extracuricular activities"... phew - I'm tired already!

just another day

It's early. Really early. It's 6:00 in the morning - Happy 4th of July! We're already outside of Dallas, and headed to Houston. What was I thinking when I decided to get up early instead of driving last night?! But we're all excited to get away for a long weekend. I was packing some games last night to take with us, and I got a certain energy that I can't quite explain. I was reminded of being a kid and my family going to Hilltop lakes where my parents owned a small amount of property that gave us access to the "resort" there. It was (or I guess still is) very much a "Dirty Dancing" kind of resort... swimming, the lake, bingo, social mixers, etc. But my best memories are of everyone sitting around the table playing games. There was always lots of laughter - the only time I ever remember my father smiling or laughing (a little). Lene and Michael would meet us from Dallas, us from Houston (Hilltop is about halfway between), and that was our summer vacation. A couple of times my Uncle Ronnie brought his boat. There is a great picture somewhere of Mom, Lene, and I in coordinated black and neon yellow swimsuits. While I was in college, in a futile attempt at a relationship with Allan's father, we went back to Hilltop for a weekend. It was so different. I prefer to remember the way it was when I was a kid. Anyway - I'm excited about playing some games and hanging out with the family!

Well, the sun's coming up, and Madelyn has fallen back asleep - thank goodness. I was worried when she got in the car and started talking like crazy! It will be a long day if she doesn't get some more sleep. She is so cute all bundled under her blanket, still in her princess pajamas. This morning she brought some little nick nack things in the car, and said she was bringing some things to entertain Mia - she is such a good big cousin!

We got more letters from the girls, and now Madelyn got her very own from Dani. She was thrilled. The girls have done a great job of writing this year. We've gotten mail at least a few times a week. We just love hearing from them and how much fun they're having at camp. I wonder what cool 4th of July stuff they'll do at GFC - hmmm. They come home on Tuesday - woohooo!!

I think we're getting close to the Starbucks exit - thank goodness. I don't know how much longer I can wait.

I've been keeping up with Lindsey on her blog. Sounds like she is all settled in Moscow - well as settled as she can be for now. I'm so amazed by her - her ability to try new things and adventures. She's so brave!

Yesterday I went to Victoria's Secret for their semiannual sale. It's my time to stock up on panties while they are cheap. Well, what is cheap really? I managed to spend $160 on $2.99 panties. As April texted me back when I told her - holy %$@$ that's like 50 pairs. Well, 49 to be exact. Lindsey - do they have Victoria's Secret in Russia?

Well, we are in Ennis - Starbucks here I come. Have a happy, safe 4th to everyone!

OMG - for those that don't speak text, that stands for "Oh My Goodness"! I made the mistake of telling my trainer last night that I haven't felt particularly strong in the arms. So we worked out arms. And more arms. And even more arms. By the time we were done they felt like spaghetti. But all in all, it was a great workout. I get surprised sometimes by my own stregnth, and by my lack of it. But you have to start somewhere, right?

Madelyn had a great day at camp, although she got into a little trouble with a counselor - oops. Apparently she hit another girl with her sweater (on accident, of course). But Madelyn said she didn't need to apologize because the other girl is mean anyway. We had a nice little talk about apologizing even if it's an accident. I asked her how she would feel is someone hurt her, even on accident, and she said she wouldn't mind. You just gotta love this age! Stubborn - just like her daddy! Today they go on their weekly field trip to Speed Zone - she was very excited when she woke up this morning. I can't wait to hear all about it when we pick her up. Tomorrow and Thursday are both swim days for them, and then it's off to Houston we go.

Yesterday, Madelyn got a letter from Jackie from camp. She was SUPER excited. Jackie wrote just to her - telling her how much fun camp is and that she can't wait to see her. And promising lots of swimming when she gets home. Madelyn thought she was so special to get her very own letter - it was really sweet. Trey and I each got a letter from Dani too - is it time for them to get home yet??