Fernie Meet

Every year we go to Fernie for a swim meet. It is a long anticipated event as there is lots of fun that happens.

First of all, they get to go there on a bus. This year there were two buses. The big kids were on one bus and the younger kids were on another. And I get to drive by myself. I enjoy the 3 hours of just me and a book CD....and me and my thoughts.

This is also a time for us to stay in Sparwood and visit with the Nelsons. It wasn't a long visit this year, but it was good to see them, nonetheless.

The races went really well too! Here are the results: 

Jill: 

1 second taken off her 200 IM

11 seconds off 200 breast

5 seconds off 100 back

Peirce:

15 seconds off his 200 IM

10 seconds off 200 breast

1 second added in 50 free

 (He said he had a really bad dive....something weird about how his hands were....it took him right down to the bottom if the pool. Oops!)

3 seconds off 50 fly

Our family goal was to take time off every race. They did it for 6 of the 7 races!

The bad news was that Peirce got DQd in 200 IM and 200 breast. He always turns over on his front when he goes from back to breast. Ugh!! Must work on that. He also learned that you can only do one pull before you reach the surface for breast stroke. Not sure why he didn't know this before now. I guess that is what racing is for!!

We will focus on the positive though. That is a lot of time taken off! Once he gets those details figured out he will have some new great times for 200 IM and 200 breast for sure. That good mountain air does something good for them.

Our evening is spent at a pizza party and with games with the whole club. Jill was very excited to finally be a senior swimmer, and therefore, be able to be the leader of a group. It was a great time for everyone!!

Another year of Fernie in the books!!

Happy Birthday Peirce!

Happy birthday to the best boy ever. Peirce is a great kid. He is a good friend to everyone, he is full of gratitude, he is very creative, he loves to read, loves Scouts, loves swimming. He loves times of quiet and solitude and still loves to socialize with his friends and his cousins. He is just an all round great guy to hang out with!

He turns 12 this year and is very excited to take on his new responsibilities as a deacon at church.

Cousins weekend

It is a cousin weekend!!

Princess party for the girls.

At home, the crowd could always be found snuggled in the couch together or doing something all in the same room. It is great how they all love hanging out together.

Swimming fun for everyone!

Peirce's Quilt

I won't even say how long this quilt has been in the works. It has been far too long. I didn't like working on it because it was too much stretchy fabric. Blah! I decided it was one thing that had to get finished over spring break. I finally finished it today!

Walking

It's finally spring. It has been a long winter. For me, that has meant no walking. It is time to get back in the swing. From now on, I will walk every day.

I love this post by Steve McCurry:

One step at a time is good walking.- Chinese proverb
India
Walking shares with making and working that
crucial element of engagement of the body and the mind with the world,
of knowing the world through the body and the body through the world.- Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Italy
United Kingdom
There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. 
A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. 
- Paul Scott Mowrer
Nepal
Tibet
France
 Solvitur ambulando(To solve a problem, walk around)- St. Jerome
Yemen
Afghanistan
How often have I had this longing for an infinite walk – of going unimpeded,
until the movement of my body as I walk fell into the flight of
streets under my feet – until I in my body and the world in its
skin of earth were blended into a single act of knowing.
- Alfred Kazin, The Open Street
Bangladesh
France
Cambodia
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.- John Muir
Italy
All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.- Friedrich Nietzche
Italy
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walkingAngels whisper to those who walk- Raymond Inmon
Brazil
 Ireland
 Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. 
Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being …
I have walked myself into my best thoughts, 
and I know of no thought so burdensome that 
one cannot walk away from it. 
- Soren Kierkegaard
 Burma
Walking is a man’s best medicine.
-Hippocrates
Burma
With beauty before me, may I walkWith beauty behind me, may I walkWith beauty above me, may I walkWith beauty below me, may I walkWith beauty all around me, may I walkWandering on the trail of beauty, may I walk- Navajo: Walking Meditation
 France
  Walking is the great adventure,the first meditation, a practice of heartiness andsoul primary to humankind.Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility.- Gary Snyder

A Perfect Day

Today was a perfect day. Jill had swimming bright and early, but Allen drove her. Translation: I slept in. I watched conference, did a little baking, managed to make meals before people around here were on death's door (it happens suddenly and without warning), finished my book and went to Storybook Theatre with Peirce. I don't know how it could get any better!

I kind of feel like Chico feels: 

Bliss!!

Moving Day

Well, we had a lovely few days with this guy. Today was moving day!

He was anxious to get going.

Chico thought perhaps he should stay. He was a great help in helping Chico get a better view.

So long puppy!