Swim Class or Swimming with Class

One swimmer verses four non-swimmers made going to the pool undesirable. We thought it was best for their safety and my sanity to sign them up. I was hesitant, because the last time I did something similar with Taylin...I wasn't very impressed. The kids did two "blitz" weeks (classes four days a week...usually done in a month) before heading to Texas. They all improved. I was very impressed with the school. Taylin only had three more things to pass off to move on to the next level. Cohen just had five. Both the girls earned their back float ribbon. Taylin's confidence and skill really improved. She was able to dive down to the bottom and pick up rings from the bottom of the pool, with some help getting back up. She isn't a swimmer yet, but she can float and glide. Here are some photos of our two weeks. Kennedy Backfloat

Cohen Backfloat

Taylin gliding to the wall from the "island."

It was fun to watch. The pool was 90 degrees and the room was 85 degrees. I think I would have fallen asleep if I watched inside. We really felt the kids made progress and hope to get back into classes when we return. After two weeks of getting three kids cleaned off in the showers, dried and dressed with an anxious one year old "watching" on made me very ready and grateful for the break.

The kids have a celebratory dance to end their two week success:

Summer Bubbles

We try different crafts or activities throughout the summer. The kids have done great at not complaining about being bored, so far. The only time Taylin gets bored is when everyone else is taking a nap. She and I have done some crafts or reading while they are sleeping, but it doesn't happen everyday. This day we tried some bubble art. It would have been fabulous if we had the right paint. It was a spur of the moment activity.





Ingredients: Dish soap, tempera paint, and water; straw and paper.
Instructions: Blow bubbles an inch above cup. Place paper on top of bubbles. Repeat to complete artwork. WARNING: Make sure kids are good at blowing. It doesn't make for a tasty (I am still not confident in spell check on that one...going with it.) drink. I was confident my kids could blow bubbles, because they try to with milk and juice drinks. I had to remind my two and a half year old it wasn't a drink. I guess she wanted to try it for herself. It didn't go very far past her taste buds before it quickly exited her mouth.





Cohen is already pushing the limits...and then we got carried away. The table became the canvas. All is well. We had fun experimenting. Better artwork will be produced next time around.

I love these kids and I love the summer. We are having fun!

Choo, Choo!

The past three places we have lived have had train parks. We were excited to find one here and it even has a carousel. Kennedy is a happy girl! They have trains to look at, fun play areas, and train rides. Anytime David has time off and energy, we try to go do something fun. Being in a big city we have lots of options. This is one of the kids' favorites. This month has been an exhausting one. This day was relaxing and fun for all.

Teague is not so sure about this little adventure. He has a death grip on David. He was more willing on the train. He wanted nothing to do with the carousel. Cohen held tight the whole time. I have to say it was a pretty quick carousel.

This was the first time around. We had a little wait. So the kids rain up and down the "lanes." Yes, they are okay and we were checking on Teague and Kennedy. Cohen got the most exercise. The second time around, the kids were a bit more adventurous. I was willing to ride next to the small cargo car, but not in it. I was concerned about the kids wanting to get out before the train ride was over. If Cohen can't stand up straight, you know it is tight. The kids stayed in the whole time without complaints.

David was a little more cramped and ready to get out.