Swim Lessons

Both of my kiddos were big enough for see-ya-later-mommy swim lessons this year!  It was exciting for them, but so sad for me.  How did both of my babies get so big??  It was seriously a mourning thing for me, letting them both go with their instructors and trust those instructors to keep them alive and safe and happy.  But both of them did very well.  I was so pleased.  Their instructors were great, and they both made pretty significant progress.  James did especially well, as this was the first year he was willing to really try floating and getting his head all the way in the water.  I was so proud!  My big boy.  Jolie pretty much refused to put her head (or even ear) in the water, but I'm not too worried since James took a good three years to get to that point.  My kids must have desert blood in them after all.  She has since done much better about getting her head in, both in the tub and in the little pool in the yard.  Telling her that she was Ariel made a big impact, I think. Haha.  Silly girl.  Anyway, I am really happy we have access to affordable, safe and enjoyable swimming lessons for my kiddos.  Survival skills for the win!

 

Independence Day

This year's Independence Day was pretty traditional and pretty fun.  On the third, we hung out in the friendly neighbor's yard near Derek's childhood home.  We made a whole slew of "Mom's Summertime Burritos" for everyone and were joined by a bunch of Andersons and even a few Barentines (well, one- and a friend).  The fireworks were enjoyable, but the kids kind of didn't care for them this year.  No aversion or fear, just meh.  They mainly wanted to play with their cousins.  Can't blame them, really.  Cousins are the best!

On the morning of the fourth, we hung out at home- getting a little crafty in our own patriotic way.  James painted a flag shirt (Finger painting, man!  No screaming or squirming, even!), and I snipped and sewed and created a little (perhaps too little... guilty face) shirt for Jolie.  They looked so cute!

We also got to play outside with our kiddos in our little pool.  We aren't always such great parents and this was a bit of a treat for them.  It was really fun.  Our family rocks, I tell ya.

Then, that evening, we went to the Seeholzer's Annual 4th of July Shindig.  It was yummy and sparkly and full of glorious fireworks and fun.  We sure love those guys.  We never want to move.  Now to be sure no one else does... :)

It was a fun and festive and relatively chill Fourth of July.

God bless America.

T-ball, baby!

James played t-ball again this year, and he seemed to have enjoyed it (more).  The timing of it wasn't awesome, as we had to wake him up from a nap pretty much every time (and that never goes well), and the scorching heat of it all was less than awesome.  But he seemed to get the concept much better this year and seemed to have fun making friends.

Jolie was James' self-appointed water girl and would run out into the middle of the field to give him a cool drink whenever she felt he needed it.  It was pretty cute.  And while I tried my best to stay far away (instead of installing myself as a co-coach again like last year, haha), Derek was able to get more involved and help out, which was fun to see.  He even had a post-game practice to help James figure out that whole batting thing (even Jolie got in on the action). I have a love-hate relationship with t-ball.  It's hot and miserable (hormonal pregnant lady here) but also very fun and adorable to watch.  I love seeing my boy learn new things and have pride in his new abilities.  It's one of the very best parts of parenting.  

Go, Rockies!