Nova's 11th Birthday

Nova's buddy, Mady, has the same birthday as Nova. Nova really wanted a surprise party, so I worked with Mady's mom to host a double surprise party! 

The first surprise was having a few friends sleep over on Friday night. Then, she was surprised with a trip to the mall. And, as a grand finale, all of her friends, Madys' friends and their mutual swim friends met at a movie theater to watch GOAT. In all, I think there were about 40 kids there. It was a LOT. She loved it and has to me she wishes it had never ended.

Oh and they had a dentist appointment the day before her birthday, so I took the kids to IHOP (instead of school) to start the celebration right!

Friend sleepover!

Breakfast in the morning. Lynx is wearing a napkin.

After the first round of gifts the morning of her birthday. (Nova still doesn't know that there are more surprises to come.)

More friends, waiting at the movie theater for Nova to arrive.

Here's a video of the big surprise!

Nova with one of her besties.

We rented out the theater, so these are all of their friends! There are more in the first rows that aren't captured.

Me, cutting the cake. The other birthday girl, Mady, has the glasses. I can't find a picture of them together....though I know there are some somewhere! Here's a video of the kids singing Happy Birthday

She loves Lady Gaga!!

Banana Slug and a Stanley

Money from a friend! Thanks!

Lynn, looking on during the movie. (The poster behind him was created by Mady's mom! It's adorable.)

And, finally, here's a video of the kids eating cake with just their faces. hahah

February 2026 + Rankings

I've realized more and more (and more) that I really hate winter and need to take a vacation somewhere warm every January/February.  Note to self for 2027!

Despite the crummy weather, February was incredible. The kids continue to be amazing and, of course, Nova turned 11 on the last day of February! 

Here's a creative video they made for their buddy Ellie's birthday.

And a fun video of them playing in the snow.

Here's a playlist of the swimming my kids did during the February Invite 2026.

They also love making slo-mo videos. Here is one of Lynx, and one of Nova.

Lynx got a switch! He used his own money, which really means...you know....Thanks Grancy and Scrampa! 

I got together with a few friends over Korean food, where we hatched a plan to visit our buddy Tricia in Charlottesville! Photos of that trip will be in the April post

We've been encouraging Lynx to focus on the fun for swim. he wants his nickname to be "Marshmallow" so I bought him this swim cap that has a frog on it, and the words "Marshmallow" along the side. He didn't wear it for the meet, but he wore it to all of his practices in February

Nova swam her first ever 200 butterfly. This is THE hardest race that swimming has to offer. All of her buddies came to support her, as you can see here. She ended up doing amazing, and is ranked 8th in the United States in this event

Ugh, February weather! But the kids love the snow.

Lynx, as his usual goofball self.

Rankings! 

January 2026

January was a swim-meet filled month! Lynx swam in the Frosty Pentathlon and got third! We were very proud of him. 

Nova swam the 500 freestyle and is now ranked 8th in the United States! Pretty sweet! This race also qualified her for the NCSA meet in Orlando in March. So, Florida, here we come! 

They put on their swimsuits and took a VERY long bath. The evidence of that is on Lynx's uber winkly feet!

They often pretend that they are "chubby babies" and snuggle and act like babies. It's so cute.

At the IMX meet, Nova was chatting with her buddy Olivia after a race. I love this photo.

This group of fine women is the "Stonegate Swim Mom" group. We got together for dinner and time at the casino. It was so fun and I was so tired afterward.

Nova quickly made new friends at Page! Here are a few of them at London's birthday party

Lynx has become so, so funny! Here he is sitting on the toilet....paper.