The Thurber Gang

Well, we've been asked and asked over the last couple of years if and when we were getting pregnant again. . . the last several months, however, the inquiring minds have been a LOT more inquisitive. It's understandable, with most of our friends, sisters, sister-in-laws expecting babies this year. It seems there's something in the water, So - here's our official announcement . . . *I'm drinking FILTERED water*. No chance of 'catching' that way!! But, a heartfelt congratulations on all of my beloved sisters & friends who are (or just did!). But, I did lead you on just a little, didn't I??? ;-)

Madison is loving absolutely everything about being here in North Dakota for Zones Everything.  She loves hanging out on deck, she loves meeting the other swimmers, she loves having new coaches for different warm ups and drills, she loves that she placed yesterday with her relay team, and loves that she was put on another relay today.   She loves that she wore her friend's fast suit that goes to her knees yesterday, and loves that she's wearing her own, regular style fast suit today.  She's had such a great attitude when she thought she missed placing in her 100 back by one spot.  She has been great about staying with the (fantastic) friend of her auntie when her friends are staying at hotels.  She loved going to church with me this morning, admitting how much she misses her sisters, but how calm church is without them (ha!). She has had a permanent grin this whole weekend, and I have absolutely loved hanging with my daughter one on one like this.  She's in the pool for

My goal for this week was to get caught up on a lot of things - laundry , cleaning , blogging , * sleep *, etc. . . however, things flew out of control when Madison swam *amazingly* last weekend at the Long Course State Championships , achieving some " Zone " times. Accepting 3rd place medal - 100 back What are Zones? The country is divided into four zones for USA swimming purposes. We reside in the Central Zone. Only the top swimmers in each state are qualified to go, and it is up to the swimmer & family whether or not to take part. Madison found out about Zones last year when she kept hearing someone that she was swimming against celebrate after almost every event she swam that she got a 'zone cut'. Madison took it upon herself to figure out what that was. When she realized it's quite a bit faster than a State cut, she made her goal to get all state cuts this year, and try to get zone cuts next year. She did get almost all of the Michigan State cuts t