Learning...

Since the boys turned 2 years old, their pediatrician has been recommending that they do swimming lessons. It is part of his shpeel every time we go for check up, but he truly means it and always says that Florida Southern and the Y have really great programs. This summer I decided that no matter what, the boys needed to learn to swim, so that is what we did. I found a great teacher who lives three minutes from our home who works with kids for 8 sessions in groups no bigger that 4 at a time. Riley and Conner were in a class with one other boy and the three of them began their swimming journey together. Each of them were at different levels of proficiency. Riley and Conner had been fortunate enough to be in a pool many times throughout the years and a momma who insisted on them not being afraid of getting wet! They were amazing on that first night, each of them swimming at least 10 feet without any help. By the 8th session, all three boys could swimm 30 feet without help using the proper technique only taking about 4 breaths! Conner was the youngest in the group and he kept right up with Riley and Dennis. My boys are swimmers now. Of course they still need some help when they get tired, but they now have the confidence and the skills to keep from drowning, they can float, swim underwater, and hold their breaths. I am so proud of them and am looking forward to all the other things they will be learning as they continue to grown and try new things:)

The three boys in the class!

Riley swimming across the pool.

Conner swimming across the pool.

Me the the kids in our little backyard easy-set pool...Kenna loves it too!

4th of July!!!!

I love summer time! The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, next to Christmas of course. Watermelon, fireworks, summer showers, and fun outside just because it is warm enough, hot dogs, and swimming make up the things I love the most about this holiday and time of year. Every year since I can remember we have gone out to the city fireworks display. I don't think I have missed one year since I was about 6 years old. As a mom I am trying to instill in our family some traditions and one of those is celebrating our nation's birthday by watching the fireworks and enjoying time with family and friends while we eat dinner "tailgate" style! This year's fireworkds display was called "Deuling Fireworks" and there were two sets going off at the same time. Although it rained most of the day, the kids enjoyed themselves out at the stadium.

By the time the fireworks went off, we were all huddled up in the back of my van to stay dry.

Riley and Conner have never liked the loud booming sound of the show, but they do enjoy watching the beautiful display.

Happy Fourth to all!