Biggest Splash!

This last weekend consisted of a myriad of activities.  Wedding Shower, Summer Movie Night at our house, visit from Auntie Nessie, softball tournament, and the 14th annual Rachel Hanna Swim Olympics, with the Biggest Splash! contest.  This year my sister was in town and she and my mom took the boys to the Olympics.  This family friendly event is held every year at our local pool in honor of a little girl who has gone to heaven.   As I arrived at the event to pick up my children, I heard screams of "Go Miles!".  Turns out I had JUST missed his attempt at winning the Biggest Splash! contest.  Yep, the little two-year old dare-devil leapt off of the lifeguard stand and into the depths of the cool blue water without an inkling of fear in his eyes.  When Carter was two at Rachel's Olympics he was too busy kissing Macey and splashing in the water.  Not Miles.  He wanted to make his statement.  

Carter and Macey at the Olympics.

Miles' Big Splash!

Life is a lot like the Biggest Splash! contest.  We all have our chance to make our mark.  Some do it early on in life, and others take the leap when they're older.  Some do it year after year, like the Hanna family and serve as a beacon of hope to others suffering in tragedy.  Some never take the plunge and get hope from others that test fate.  Some go in with both legs crossed and a prayer, while others just simply shoot straight into the water like a pencil.  

One never knows what life will throw at them, but it's how we choose to deal with the hand we're dealt that matters.  The Hannas make their splash by honoring the legacy of their daughter, their family, and the importance of love.  They host the Olympics, caretake a garden, and offer support to others in times of hardship.  Sometimes the Biggest Splash! isn't about the size of the splash, but who gets a bit wet in the aftermath.  Because of Greg and Sherri, the lives of so many families are more enriched.   Year after year, we are reminded of how important our family is, our kids are, and quite frankly how much we have to be thankful for.  We are graced by the presence of people who have chosen to pay it forward and shine as examples.  They've made the Biggest Splash!, year after year by honoring their daughter, their family, and all of us.  

Miles, the Hanna Family, and the rest of the Sportsmanship award winners!

While I know that Miles' splash truly signifies that I may have my hands full, I also know that his determination, eagerness, and bravery had an affect on others.  He's already making his splash in the world.  It might not of been the biggest, but he made his mark.  

As summer winds down, I just count my blessings and remember that my with my family, and in my classroom is the place I have a chance to make my Biggest Splash!.  Last night we had my mom, sister, and the Hiltons over for dinner.  After the meal, I set up a projector to play a movie on the side of our house.  Those four little boys joined together on an air mattress on the lawn and enjoyed a summer show.

Even if summer is almost over and the pools will close, there's time every day to make your Biggest Splash!