Lily turns 12

This is 12........exactly as it should be.  All Lily wanted for her 12th birthday was to have her 4 best friends over for a sleepover and unlimited ice cream.  So, she got it!

These 4 have become completely inseparable over the past year and I am so grateful that all of these girls share a love for Jesus and a love for each other.  Life is going to be so much fun and I pray these friendships last for a really long time. 

Lily really wanted to get up on the roof to see the stars with all of her friends so Bob and I navigated the climb to make a memory.

Lily, this is your last year of the young years.  You are an official tween.  Next year you cross over into the teenage years and man have you grown up.  I tell people all the time how you are practically an adult right now.  So independent, bold, brave, and confident.  I am in awe of you doll and so grateful for you.

 I pray blessings on you Lily Grace, I pray a lifetime of bosom friends, I pray a lifetime of joy and hardship, I pray growth and purpose over you.   Happy birthday Lily Lu!

Mom

Team Building

This year Lily is on the Competetive Synchro Team.  It has been an enormous leap for her in both effort and time.  This kid is amazing.  She is now in the pool a minimum of 10 hours a week....treading water.......while holding her breath......and smiling.......and remembering leg and arm motions.  I mean, the sport of artistic swimming is incredible.  

Their team just went through a big testing time to determine A team or B team placement.  Lily is on B team and she and I BOTH are thrilled about it.  This sport got intense all of a sudden!  Add to that the fact that she is on the 13 to 15 year old team makes the leap even more impressive. She's amazing.

The other day the teams decided to take a Saturday off and hike instead.  It was really fun for me to go and spend some time with these people Lily loves so much.  

We hiked the Treasure Loop in the Superstitions and it was beautiful.  Lily was out front practically running down the trail.  I was so proud.

I did what I always do.....be embarassing. (it was fun)

 All the girls finished and we had a great Dolphin team building day!