Lake Sunapee

We spent a glorious day on Lake Sunapee with Jen last week! We took the boat to lunch, played in the water, and talked about skiing at the mountain this winter!

More Diving

Emily has been working on her dive for several weeks. She now can dive off the diving board at Sudden Pitch, and lots of other places! I am amazed because I remember learning to dive and I was at least 12 before I could throw myself head first into the water.

The Bryan Brothers

When Rick and I go to the US Open we really love watching doubles. In particular, the identical twins, Bob and Mike Bryan. They are the #1 team in the world and have 99 tournament wins together. On Saturday we went to Arthur Ashe Kids Day where there are many activities set up for kids on all courts. It was VERY crowded but we found ourselves on Court 7 in line to hit with a few pros. As soon as it was Emily's turn the Bryans came out on the court and Emily got to hit with them! She did well and loved it so much, got in line to do it again. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip....and of course, she got both to autograph her pink ball!

 Emily in Pink (of course) and Mike in White

U. S. Open

I have attended the US Open for 18 years. This year Emily decided she would like to join in our fun. Several of our friends always go to the qualifying tournament because it is less crowded and free, and they love it, so we decided to try it for Emily's first experience. What an amazing time it was! The crowds are very small, and you can move about the grounds without pushing and shoving. Emily quickly learned the art of getting an autograph, and although she didn't push and shove like others, she still came home with over 30. 

The qualifiers play a 3 day tournament just to be able to get into the first round of the regular draw so when they won a match they were thrilled to sign for any kid around...and usually there were not many around. Emily couldn't have been more thrilled with each and every signing.....

Emily is already looking forward to next year and I have to say, I can't wait to take her. It was so amazing to have her love something that I love so much

 watching at the practice courts

 The pink ball is only sold at one store on the grounds. It didn't open until Friday, so on thursday Emily used regular balls, and then on Friday (45 dollars later) she had the pink Ball

 This is 9pm on Friday night. we arrived on the grounds at 10am, sat thru a rain delay, and a 2.5 hour match to get the last autograph of the day....

Tennis, Tennis, Tennis

Emily has played a lot of tennis this summer and her game has really improved! In July she was "moved up" in tennis groups at Sudden Pitch to play with the older kids. She was so proud of herself, it was nice to see her take pride in her skills! When she and I play we hit from the baseline and she can rally many in a row. Her forehand is more consistent than her backhand but both strokes are solid so the backhand should catch up!

Swim Bike Run

Today Emily participated in the Friends of Aine kids Try-athalon. She did the same race last year and she loved it just as much. Maggie, from pre-school, also participated so it was nice to see a familiar face!

Official time 12:34

A Perfect Day

At the beach

in Ogunquit

just the three of us 

with sun, sand, and surf.

The Dive

My friend Kim came to Sudden Pitch last week just to teach Emily to dive. I thought this was a very big job but Kim was ready for the challenge. I did not learn to dive until I was 12 so I am well aware of how hard it is to learn..... Emily was reluctant at first but Kim worked her magic and WHA LA...a diver...

 She doesn't push off the side yet...but head first is amazing