Everybody Loves Madeleine

Wow!  There are so many things I am dying to write about but tonight, my first priority is to give props to our oldest and now, Ponderosa qualifier and Coach's Award winner, Madeleine Noel Doyle.  This weekend was huge for her.  First, at our final swim meet, Divisionals, Madeleine accomplished a goal she's been working toward all season--a Ponderosa qualifying time* in the 50 Fly.  I had no idea that so many people knew she was shooting for 31:33 but when she swam a 31:08 on Saturday, there was rejoicing all around.  Even a few timers from other teams came over to shake Madeleine's hand.  I was not there in the moment because we had a sick Mia at home but I can imagine it.  And I am so proud.
Tonight, Madeleine won the Coach's Award, the highest of the lot.  I am kicking myself for not having my camera in video mode because Coach Mark said some things I want to remember.  Things relating to her performance on the swim team and things relating to who she is as a person.  He said, "If I had another daughter, I'd want her to be Maddie."  Apparently, Madeleine was parents' choice as well.  More than one family stepped up to say she deserved the award.
So, here's the thing--I have never really cared about our girls' performance in anything from school work to sports to art to piano.  I have always wanted them to know that I love them for who they are, for who God made them.  I want to see them try.  Anything else?  Gravy.  But tonight, I find myself incredibly proud of our girls' achievements and of all the compliments we get on our family.  Coach Mark specifically congratulated Chris on the job we are doing with Madeleine and said he was serious when he said he'd love to have a daughter exactly like her.  Truly amazing.  I feel grateful and inspired to continue to "bring it" in my role as mama to these girls and wife to their dad.  Tomorrow's my birthday but really, can it get any better than this?

*Ponderosa times are faster by All Stars by as much as six seconds.  It's the time to get for sure.

 A quick cheer for inspiration to kick some booty at Divisonals

 Grace gets in the Wahoo spirit

 Really into it

 Sophie's an old pro waiting on the blocks

 Flying

 Shark cap in front.  She won her heat and dropped ten seconds off her fastest freestyle time.  Incredible!

 Grace, posing

 Another pose

 There she goes

 Muscles on display

 Madeleine launches.  I love everything about this photo.

 Fast forward to the awards ceremony.  Grace takes her medal.  She also won high point award for six and under girls.  Huge.

 Sophie medals as well

 Swim sisters

Mia's award.  We felt like she was a bit underappreciated on the team this year.  She was there working hard at every practice but is quiet and on the younger end of her group.  Tonight, she won a hoodie and some dental products in the end of season lottery and was thrilled.  A terrific ending all around.

 Amelia Rose Doyle

 Madeleine and her buddy Anna

 Again

 Coaches' Award

 And a hug

 rejoicing all around

 Coaches + Madeleine

Ella had a few accomplishments today as well.  She finally learned to breathe and she taught herself a little backstroke.  Underwater backstroke-- so, a little off the norm but great all the same.  

Happy Alice Day everyone!!