champion swimmers

The Jan Thomas Swim School holds a very special place in my heart! My very first job out of high school was working as a swim instructor at the Jan Thomas Swim School. Little did I know I would be returning every summer for the next 10 years!! The Jan Thomas Swim School is where I taught thousands of children how to swim, but most importantly it is where I learned to be teachable, strong, patient, professional, mature, loving, and so much more. Friendships were created that I will have for a lifetime and memories were made that will never be forgotten.

I LOVE THE JAN THOMAS SWIM SCHOOL!!!

I was so excited and thankful to return to the swim school in May to teach once again. I was very grateful when told that I could also teach my little one, Madison, how to swim at the end of my work day. Madison had no idea what Mommy was about to do...

kick, kick, kick little one!
looking for daddy to save her
not enjoying the duck ride
so much work for such a tiny thing

Becky Thomas is absolutely one of my very best friends! We have been friends now for over 15 years. She started out as a stranger who trained me in the water and taught me all I know today about swimming lessons and much, much more. Now, she is a friend, a mentor, a confidant.

We love our Becky!!

By the end of Madison's lessons, she was loving the water and swimming really well.

She even sat on the side and would lean over, falling into the water for a swim.

She loves riding on the duck...

...most of the time!

I think her favorite part was playing in the "kiddie pool" after lessons.

me and my little fishies

Becky was so nice to give Audrey a lesson while I was worked with Madison.

There was a lot of playing...

...and some actual swimming. Check out those high arms!! Audrey is swimming the freestyle on her own now.

great diver

slide ride at the end of her "lesson"

Gold medals for our champion swimmers!

Madison preferred to chew on hers.

So proud of my big girl! This is her 4th gold medal from the Jan Thomas Swim School!

birthday party

We celebrated Madison's first birthday, together with family and friends, in our backyard. Unfortunately, Madison wasn't really feeling well that day. She was held most of the time, given lots of love, and really tried hard to just make it through.

birthday girl

We had so much fun planning the party using the color hot pink and zebra print. Daddy created Madison's adorable birthday hat, Aunty Jenn made the tu-tu, and I ordered the onesie from Stinkin' Cute Designs.
Daddy also made this sign that we posted on our front door, directing our guests to the backyard.

Activities included a bounce house, a slide, a water table, bubbles, chalk, and a coloring table.

Nani put together all of the beautiful center pieces, I just included some pictures of Madison. I put out scrapbooks of Madison's first year of life, which I had nearly completed.

This was one of the two signs that I made, with help from the Cricut. The other sign, which read "Madison", was hanging in our walkway in the front yard.

Another banner of pictures from Madison's first year.

Sandwiches from Port of Subs, spinach salad, chips, and fruit. Of course, there were chicken nuggets for the little ones.

Yummy cupcakes!!

A very sweet friend made these delicious cookies for favors...almost too cute to eat!

family pic

not lovin' the hat

cupcake number two

nani and papa

grandma and grandpa

friends

birthday celebration

On Madison's birthday, Nani and Papa, Aunty Jenn, and cousins, Kaleb and Abby, came by our house. They brought the birthday girl a very large, singing balloon and a dozen yummy, miniature cupcakes. She loved hitting the balloon to make it sing.

Madison's very first cupcake!

she dug right in...

...shoving it in her mouth...

...LOVING every bite!!

Later that day, we had her open a present from Daddy, Mommy, and big sister, Audrey.
she had fun ripping the wrapping paper

peek-a-boo

what is it?

a new water table...yay!!

madison - one year

may 15th, 2011

It seems just yesterday we were anticipating the arrival of our second child, wondering if we would be blessed with a daughter or son. When Madison Grace Love was born, I remember looking at her precious face for the first time, holding her tightly in my arms, and kissing her sweet, chubby cheeks. She was so tiny and delicate. Once again, Aaron and I were overwhelmed with love and joy in our hearts as we held our little miracle.

How has it been a whole year?! Madison is growing and changing every day. She isn't quite walking, but she has definitely progressed past the "army crawling" and is now crawling on her hands and knees. She also likes to pull up on things and take a few steps while holding on to something like the couch, the refrigerator, or even her big sister. No words yet, just some "babbling" and signing. Big deal this month...no more formula!

Our family would not be the same without our "Sissy". We love you so very much!!