This photo is from the Willmar West Central Tribune, from yesterday's section 3A swim meet. This is the start of the 400 freestyle relay, and Daniel is the swimmer at the far left in the white cap. The Dassel-Cokato/Litchfield team set a new school record in this event and are going to state!

DANIEL IS GOING TO STATE!!!

Rolling Oaks is buzzing with excitement! Daniel swam in the section swim meet this week-end and has qualified for the state meet in all four of his events. He swims the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay. Last year he was the section champ in the 200, and his dream all year has been to again bring home the first place ribbon in the 200. I had to cry tears of joy as he finished the race in first place. Not because winning is so important, but because he truly has a gift to swim, a passion for it, and worked so hard all year, swimming at the YMCA all summer, lifting weights, running, watching his diet, all for this goal. What dedication! Besides achieving this goal, he broke the school record in all four events. The relay team is amazing, and the four boys compliment each other. What a memory to go to state and work together to accomplish a place on the podium! Russ and I have enjoyed the sport of swimming. It is such a character builder. Even if you are not in first place, if you improve your time, you did well. It is so important for our kids to find something they are good at and enjoy, and swimming has been that revenue for Daniel. I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming through all of these experiences. The dedication to coach, team and self. The discipline to get up at 5:00 in the morning to swim. Next week-end will be the end of a wonderful high school career, not because of the medals, but because of the person Daniel has become.

EMMY HAD HER PUPPIES!

Emmy gave birth to seven beautiful puppies on Sunday! 5 females,

2 males! Mom and babies are doing well!

SOPHIE UPDATE

Sophie has a new home! Thank you for all the inquiries about her. She is going to a wonderful family. We are anxiously awaiting the birth of Emmy's puppies. Should be any day now!

SOPHIE NEEDS A HOME!!!

This is Sophie. She is one of Ruby & Captain's puppies, born November 6, 2007. Due to her families circumstances, she was returned to Rolling Oaks. Sophie is a very playful energetic puppy. She is well on her way to potty training, and knows sit and stay. She loves to retrieve. If you are interested in Sophie, please email us.

BELLE

Hi Barb-

It was one year ago today we brought home our little Belle. While it would be an understatement to say she is still our "little" Belle (she has grown up into a beautiful dog) in our hearts she still remains our little girl! She has been such a joy to us and such a sweet sweet girl! We are adding a human baby to the family this April and are so excited that she will soon have a buddy. She loves children of all ages and is so mellow and gentle that we are not too worried about her taking to the baby ( but we are still doing our best to prepare her for it).

I just wanted to write to you today to say THANK YOU to you and your family for the wonderful companion you have provided to us. We are looking forward to so many more great years with her. Thank you again!

Jamie, Chad, and Belle