So stinkin' proud...

What an awesome weekend we had....it was so fun watching the kids quiz like "machines" and then enjoy the sweet reward of a three hour cruise on the Bay for all the quizzers, coaches, parents and anyone that wanted to join in celebrating an amazing year of Bible Quizzing in the Western District!!The weekend was spent with amazing friends that have filled our lives with so much fun and joy!! It was awesome that they were willing to sacrifice their weekend to celebrate with my kids. Nothing like enjoying good times and lots of laughs with great friends!!

Travis (above) talking with Kyle via Skype from Latvia (Kyle wanted to be a part of our fun weekend too!), Then, Travis walking to lunch with my kids!

The Copelands...faithful "Swank" quizzing followers....they make my kids feel so special!!

Jamie...our number one fan!!!

Here is how the quizzing part unfolded for us!

First Place Beginner Division!!

1st Place Highest Quizzer - Victoria Swank

4th Place Scoring Quizzer - Mariah Swank

1st Place Junior Division!!

1st Place Highest Scoring Quizzer - Logan Swank

"Beginner Quizzer of the Year 2011" - Miss Victoria Swank!!

"Junior Quizzer of the Year 2011" - Mr. Logan Swank It is hard to express how proud I am of my kids. They have worked so hard and stayed focused even in the midst of a huge move and major transitions that aren't even completed yet.

Logan, Victoria and Mariah....you ROCK!!!

Happy "7th" Birthday Mariah!!

It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years since our "baby" was born. It seems like yesterday I was holding this sweet bundle, knowing that she was the final link to our family. I told her this is her last birthday. We will still do presents and cake on June 11th in "honor of her" but there was NO changing of the age...she will always be 7!! She thinks I am kidding and oh how I wish I wasn't. Life has gone too fast and my kids have grown so much!! The other night we were talking about this and she said (as she was cuddling on my lap):

Mariah: "It is okay, Mama, I will always be a cuddle bug."

Me: "You will always sit on my lap like this?"

Mariah: "Yes, even when I am 40!"

Me: "Oh...well, I might have to sit on your lap then."

Mariah: "Why?"

Me: "Because I will be 72 then!!" (okay that stinks!!)

Mariah: "*laughs hysterically* Wow!! That is old!!"

I love that child and am so thankful God decided to give her to me. I am overwhelmed when I am called Mom...it is the best name in the world!

Happy Birthday Mariah....we love you!!