Sweet Sixteen or not?

Not wanting to throw off his Mommy's schedule, Austin Keith Arce Hallows arrived exactly on his due date and my mother's birthday, February 24, 1994 at 6:10am. Weighing in at a 9 lb. 8 oz. and measuring 21 1/2 long, he was no lightweight. He gave us all a struggle with 26 hours of labor.....it was exhausting. The first thing I noticed was his beautiful lips and nose...He won't agree with the nose thing, but it was cute back then. He had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, so much for the blond hair and blue eyed baby girl I always wanted....but nonetheless he was a wanted wonder to me.

This child has of mine has ceased to amaze me yet he wouldn't believe that with all the chores he thinks I make him do. Looking back....my fondest memories are:

He learned to read in kindergarten

He told me when he was 4 that he didn't like my attitude

He never stopped watching these three movies..."Space Jam", "Little Rascals" and any episode of "Barney"

He was a great baseball player at age 7 and he still is a great player...I love to watch him

He would want to sleep with me and when I wouldn't let him, he slept on the floor beside my bed, he still loves to sleep with me and I love it too!

People constantly come up to Steve and I, telling us how great of kid he is, that is music to a parents ears.

I can go on and on...but I won't bore you with the details of how grateful I am to be able to call Austin my son. Today, the boy stands 5"10", 145 lbs and size 13 feet.....

I had a suprise birthday party for him with all his friends....it was a suprise until he had to walk in and he knew something was up! I thought I did a great job and was pleased to be able to keep it from him for that long. They played water polo in the clubhouse and ping pong for hours...The kids didn't want to leave, I had to tell Austin to tell them, we have to go now......

Happy Birthday my sweet sixteen boy! We love you lots!

Future Swimmers....LOL

These boys idolize their brother, Austin, even though its not reciprocated. Well somedays.....We had a swim party for all the team here and the boys dressed up in Austin's swim stuff. I couldn't stop laughing it was so cute. Just look at the way Kade is standing. He is so ready. I hope he can swim like that in the future...as of right now its not looking good. Colton has really gotten the hang of it, he is a swimming away. I want to keep them into swimming, its a great sport, as we have discovered.

2010 State Swim Meet

I am sorry, look at this kid, he is a stud. That body is amazing!
We were up above the pool and Kaden called down to him to look at us!

This was the pool at BYU, it was an really neat experience to be in there.

The team captains get in a huddle before the meet, jump up and down chanting...its exhilarating!

Getting ready for the Breaststroke!

This swim meet was my first one, last year he was only an alternate but this year he swam in three events, the 200 Relay, the breaststroke and freestyle. I am not sure where he got his swimming ability since, I can't swim, my mom can't swim, my grandmother couldn't swim and even my great grandmother couldn't swim. Must have been from his dad's side of the family. His dad could do every sport with such excellence, I think that is where he gets that from....but of course the body and good looks must have come from me. hehe

Overall the girls and boys teams are stars in my eyes but, this year they proved it with taking 2nd in the State Championship. The took 2nd last year too and were hoping to take 1st but Park City who they beat in the Regional Championship just the week before came up with more points. It was the most fun I have had ever watching a swim meet, as they tend to get monotonous. My throat was killing me, towards the end, its SO close you are yelling at every race hoping they place. I am so proud of my son who did so well even though he didn't think so. He is swimming faster and better than those who have swam for years....this is only his second year with no formal training ever and he is in state....he may not have won any title this time but he looked hot trying. Way to go Austin, I am so proud of you.