Simply Us

Friday, July 2, 2010

Nationals: Brenna's Competition

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Brenna: Nationals

Brenna did great! She scored 9th in her flight and I'm not sure how she did overall. She was competing against 41 other girls in her age group. So, things had to go absolutely perfect for her to place. Brenna was the first one in her flight to compete and she was scheduled for 8:40 am in the morning. Now people, believe me when I tell you this is terribly early. Earlier then Bre needs to be at school and really early when she was up until 10:00ish the night before.

She got to do two passes (routines) on the double mini. She got 3 practice runs and then they were set to go, right at 8:40 am! Brenna's first pass didn't go so well. I could tell as she was rotating over that she wasn't going to make it. I don't think she tucked in time. She fell on her landing, but popped right up with a smile and her arm raised to signal the judges. I was so proud of her for that. Her second pass was amazing! She did it absolutely perfectly with only one tenth of a deduction. But even with a perfect second pass, her first one was low enough to place her in 9th position. Tenths of points seperated Brenna from those next to her in rank. I was so proud of her, regardless. As they said on opening night, during the march in, "they are all champions. These 1800 atheletes are the best of the best." Brenna's coach later told me that everyone in her flight had been to Nationals previously. She told me that that indeed makes a difference. I think Brenna did great. She had done her passes perfectly during the practice, so I knew she could do it. I think Brenna needs to learn how to handle the excitement and nervousness of such a large meet. I couldn't have been prouder of her!

I do also think that if you look at the picture of her where her arm is raised (signaling the judges) that she is still tired. I think I didn't serve her the best I should have by not having her in bed earlier than I did. I will in deed remember this for next year if we go again!!

Virginia Beach: July 1st

     Brenna and Noah slept in until 10:00 am! I couldn't believe it, but it just goes to show you what tired kids and closed blinds can accomplish. So, we were out on the beach by 11:30 am. We stayed until about 1:00 pm. Brenna, Noah, and Andy spent the entire time in the water: jumping over waves, diving under waves, and playing in the water. I came down to the edge of the water and played catch with a small nerf football with them. We had a lot of fun together. At 1:00 our hunger drove us upstairs to get ready for the day and find a place for lunch. We had lunch at a place Andy had eaten at on 5th street. We rented a 4 person bike to get around the boardwalk and to take us to lunch. We had a rocky start on the bike, but worked it out. I was a little nervous to let Noah drive, but once I calmed down and he learned to navigate the turns we had a great time and a deliciously tasty lunch. Good job picking the place, honey.
     After lunch we rode the bikes around the boardwalk. It was really fun and we saw a lot more of the boardwalk this way. Then we had to turn in our bike and we walked on "beach street USA". We found a tattoo place and the rest is history. Brenna walked away with moon and stars, Noah --the Atlantic Falcon logo, Andy got a ninja shadow and I walked away with a PandA. It took a while for them to do it, but we had a great time. Afterwards we walked back to the hotel and went to the beach. Again, it was laughing and playing in the waves. I didn't go in; it was toooo cold and a little tooo rough. Andy is such a good dad and went in anyway.
     Finally, we returned to get ready for the Level 5-7 beach party on 17th street. There we met up with the rest of the trampoline team. Most of them had competed throughout the day, so it was fun to hear the stories and how they did. It made me really excited for Brenna's turn tomorrow. Then we ate a late dinner and hurried back to get Brenna in bed.
     As I snuggled her tonight, she wanted me to sing a song that I used to sing to her when she was teeny tiny--my version of "You are my sunshine." I told her to wake up happy and to remember that Daddy, her two brothers and I love her very, very much and that we are so proud of her. I want so badly for her to do well for her, for her confidence. But as I type this, I realize this is what every mother wants for their competitor.

Brenna, you are a fierce competitor when you want to be! Tomorrow morning, when you compete, finish strong and stand tall. You are a daughter of God and of parents who love you very much. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And breathe....

Brenna, good luck tomorrow! We love you!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Virginia Beach: Wednesday, June 30th

These pictures were taken Wednesday morning. Before Brenna had training practice, they wanted to go walk on the beach. I loved the idea of that. They had so much fun being chased by the waves. I love to hear their laughter and complete sense of freedom. They were so happy with just being together and playing with the water. It was so fun to watch. I love seeing my kids happy like this.

After the beach, it was time to get ready to go to the convetion center for training from 10:30-12:30pm. I wanted to make sure that I got us there in plenty of time so we left about 10:00am. I could see it from our hotel window, but I wasn't sure about parking and my way around. It was a breeze and we were able to walk right in to staging where Miss Linda was. She took Brenna back to get ready and I didn't see her again until I took these pictures. She did an amazing job. If she does this well during the competition, she should do well and at least be happy with her score. She was very relaxed through it all. She has seemed to be taking it in stride. We were able to find Christina, Riley, and their parents. It was nice to see familar faces in the crowds.

After practice, we went out to lunch at Pizza Planet with several of the families. We had a great time and then seperated to freshen up for the Grand March-In at 5:00pm. We went back to the convention center at 4:00 to make sure we got tickets and seats for the march-in. Every team, over 1800 atheletes marched in to the convention hall. It was a great moment, to be part of something bigger than yourself. There were exhibitions by the Olympic hopefuls going to Singapore at the end of the month.

The logo for the 2010 National Championships. If you look closely there are two girls flipping that are not a part of the poster. Crazy, right?

Waiting in line. Brenna is the first one in the red jacket.

Miss Linda walks the team in to the arena!

On the way to eat dinner, Brenna and Noah were so happy to play in the sand. They wrote their names, wrote messages, did cartwheels and played balancing games on the handles. They had an absolute blast. We stopped at a restaraunt on 18th street. We shared chicken nachos, wings, and a caesar salad for our dinner. It was really good. And teh best part was that during dinner, Andy called to say he had arrived in Virginia beach and was at our hotel. The kids ran to meet him at the hotel and left me to pay the bill. :)

The view as we were walking to dinner. It was beautiful.

And this.....this is where Brenna will be competing on Friday, July 2nd. If you look closely it says "Double-Mini 1" and "Double Mini 2" Go Brenna! Keep your fingers crossed for her.

Tobin's birthday: 14!

2010's June 29th, was not like it was 14 years ago, but it was a celebration of it! Noah, Brenna and I were heading down to Va. beach for Nationals and Dad and Tobin were packing to leave on Wednesday-June 30th-to go to quarterback/receiver camp in New Jersey! So, our only time together was going to be the morning to celebrate Tobin's birthday--which maybe the most appropriate as that was when he was born, early in the morning.

     I decided to get some of Tobin's friends together for a birthday breakfast as I wouldn't be able to be with him that evening. Now I know that most of Tobin's friends all sleep in very late and that this was going to be a sacrifice of getting up early, so I wanted to carefully select who we wanted! Of course, Colin, Tobin's best friend had to be there. And I liked the idea of Tobin celebrating with his cousin Brett, who is one year older than Tobin. And Tobin and Colin had just gone to camp with Bradley, who is a "cousin" through Aunt Leslie and they are all going to QO in the fall, so they were the perfect trifecta to celebrate with Tobin. So, I loved this group and they could all go! I wanted it to be a surprise for Tobin.
     Tobin got up early for swim team and woke up to our traditional celebration of leaving treats and balloons in their bedroom! Only this year, since he was a teenager, I thought it best to leave his treats by the door. :) When they were little (and still today), Andy and I want their first thought to be when they wake up that "It's my birthday!" And this morning practice was a great way to get Tobin out of the house, so I could go pick up his friends. I could tell at each stop that they were extremely sleepy. It was really fun having them for a little bit without Tobin. Bradley decided to text Tobin as we headed back to the house! It was funny for us as we knew we were going to celebrate with him in just a few minutes!
     Tobin was completely surprised as he headed up to jump in our car. Andy had picked up Tobin and met us at the house! Tobin was sooooo excited when he realized we were taking him to breakfast with friends. We went to the diner and had a great time! Tobin and his friends sat on one end, and we sat on the other. It was fun to see them talking and having fun.
     After breakfast we decided to take them to go see our new dog, Calle! What we didn't realize was how much of a dog person Brett was not. He had said, "sure, I'll go." He was such a good sport! While everyone else was oohhing and ahhhing over the puppies, Brett just watched and observed! Finally, Brenna just put a puppy in Brett's hands. I consider it an accomplishment that he didn't put it down right away. I think he would admit that it was kinda cute.
     Later on in the day, Bre, Noah and I left. And Tobin, Bradley and Brett went to see a movie and then out for ice cream. Tobin, I hope it was a happy birthday and that when you look back on this day, you think of the fun you had with us and with your besties! Thanks for being a great kid.