Swimming Lessons...

We were finally able to find a good time to sign Jack up for swimming lessons at our local pool! He informed me when I did so that he did NOT want to go. He had no desire to learn how to swim or be in the water for that matter. But being the good mom that I am, I told him he didnt have an option. I think it is something all kids need to learn. So we moved forward!

He went the past 2 weeks (Monday-Thursday) in the morning. I think it helped that Addie had lessons the same time as well, and they ended up being in the same class! He fought me the first morning and I prepared myself, but once we got there and he realized the pool was inside, the water was warm, and his class was in the 'smaller' pool (where he could still stand) he was just fine!

There were 4 kids in his class total and I really loved his teacher! She was so good with the kids! She also had a helper...which kept them busy and they got lots of practice! They pretty much worked up to doing bobs in the water. They had to be able to do 5 controlled bobs while blowing bubbles under the water. I didnt think to take his goggles the first class so he was pretty hesitant to put his head under. But on the second day, with his goggles, he was a new man! They mostly just worked on their bobs, but also spent some time practising back floats!

The last day they got life vests and headed over to the 'deep' pool! Jack told me that he did NOT like that...his teacher let go of him at one point and he flipped out a little! Looks like we will be going back for more lessons! Apparently at this pool they give all of the kids a certificate. Every time they pass off a different skill they earn a sticker. For instance, Jack passed off his 'bobs' so he earned a sticker for his certificate. There are 10 different skills he has to master to complete his certificate. Honestly I am not sure I could pass off all of the different strokes, but that is a different story!

*I was also worried about what I would do with Brody. The kid LOVES water. I worried that he would scream and throw fits every day because he couldnt get in (I opted not to do a parent/tot class with him). I think I lucked out the first day because he was so good. I also think it helped to have Johnny there to play with. He did much better than I had imagined, but we definitely had our struggles. And did I mention how warm it was in there? Ugh. I came out of there sweating every morning!

We also took advantage of the open/family swim a couple of times (Jack got to swim for free so I only had to pay for Brody and I). It was lots of fun! Jack got to 'show off' all of his new skills and he was even diving down (granted this is the kids pool) for some rings! I am honestly shocked at how brave he is now! The next test will be to take him down to gma and gpa's pool! Yay for swimming lessons!

 I know I already posted this picture, but I love it!

 Working on his bobs! 

 Coming up for a quick breath!

 Back float!

 More back float!

 Life vest on, ready to head over to the big pool!

He got a sucker on the last day!

Here he is with his certificate!

Short video of him doing his bobs and back float!

Bobs again.

Camera Apps...

I have been having a lot of fun with a few different camera apps on my phone lately. Enjoy a picture overload...

Posing with all of our stuffed animals one morning!

Jack gets so creative with his wooden blocks...I love it! I believe this is the lava world from Super Mario Bros.!

We met Clays cousin, Emily, and her 2 cute girls at a park/wading pool a week or so ago! I love this pic of Brody with Reagan!

Also at the wading pool!

Jack at swimming lessons! He is doing really well and seems to love it!

Love him in his goggles!

Jack brought me Clays jacket and hat yesterday and wanted me to put them on him! So cute!

Finally warm enough to play outside in the water!

I know this isnt the best picture but I kind of love it :)

So excited!

'Where is Brody?'

This is either, 'surprise' or 'cheese!'

Brotherly love!

Super hero Jack!

Jedi Cousins...

Colleen took a short video of the cousins playing 'Star Wars!' Probably boring to everyone else, but I get such a kick out of it! Jack is still learning how to 'play fight' and not hit too hard with his lightsaber!

Cousins...

We were lucky to be able to spend several days with cousins last week! Chad and Colleen and family were out here in WA and so we were able to get together several times! We sure miss them out here! One day we met up at a park in Puyallup. We also had 2 different bbqs down in Lacey with lots of family and friends! It was so fun to see the boys (Jack, Clark, and Chandler) running around playing Star Wars! We love cousins!

Jack, Chandler, Clark

It was a little chilly at the bbq at gma and gpa Warrens!

Brody playing the piano at gma and gpa Warrens house!

Clark and Jack at the park. I couldnt get them to put their arms around each other!

Moms sunglasses!

My friend took this! I love it!

She took this one too!

Brody and ball!

Brody pushing his new pal 'George' around in the stroller! He loves George! You can see Charlie next to him :)

Jane and Jack have always played together so well! They were making 'badges' and finding things the same color as each badge! Pretty cute!

Their medals!

Splash Park...

The day after we got back from Indiana the weather was nice and warm. So we decided to head to Tacoma with Jenna, Addie, and Johnny to a splash park. I thought my kids would be in heaven...Brody loves water after all,  but he wouldnt go anywhere near the water! I dont think he liked that it was shooting out all over the place. Jack loved it though and seemed to have a blast! After playing for a bit we dried off in the sun, ate some lunch, and then headed home right as all of the summer camps were coming!

As close as Brody would get!

 

Johnny also loved the water!

Addie was about as excited as Brody of the water!

Addie, Johnny, and Brody holding hands!

What a stud!

Jack, Brody, Addie

Indiana for the Fourth...Part 4

MONDAY

We headed down town for the parade in the morning. Thankfully it was kind of overcast and not too hot! They didnt throw out too much candy and so the kids were a little disappointed. Brody was so mad he didnt get a sucker right at the beginning when Jack got one and pretty much cried/threw a fit until he got one. But he sure loved watching everything go by. They had some neat fire trucks and police motorcycles that Jack liked!

After the parade PJ really wanted mexican so we all drove over to the restaurant to find it was closed. We called all of the mexican restaurants we could find and they were all closed. Bummer. So we ate lunch at Chilis and then headed home.

Kate, Tyler, Dylan, Brynn, Jack, Brody

The men-so excited to be at the parade!

Finally a happy boy with a sucker!

'OOOOOOOOH!'

Nothing like some nice refreshing Diet Coke at 10am!

This looks so sweet and innocent, but I am pretty sure Brody was told to give Dylan kisses because he  had just slapped him.

In the afternoon, PJ and Clay decided to go golfing one last time and we let the kids play outside. It was so hot (and I was sitting in the shade) that we let the kids get the hose out! They had a blast! I almost wish I had gone over and played with them!

Clay helping Brody with his swing!

Brynn told the boys what to do and they were just fine with that! Brody just needed a bucket of water and a shovel and he was good!

Washing their 'cars'

Popcicles!

New way of riding the lil' quad!

The Wilsons left Monday evening and we were sad to see them go. On Tuesday morning, Clay and I decided to take the boys to the pool one more time. We got there right when they opened and pretty much went down the water slides for an hour! Then we got some lunch and made our way to the airport. The boys did ok. Brody was kind of whiny, but once I turned on Tangled he quieted down and fell asleep half way through! We had so much fun and are so grateful we were able to go out for the holiday! Thanks mom and dad! We love you!