Swimming Lessons

We've spent almost every day this month at the city pool.

I signed both Kat and Max up for swimming lessons. It's Kat's third summer and she is doing great!

I debated putting Max in lessons this summer, but he loves the water and is so brave.

I figured I would have more trouble keeping him out of the pool, so we decided to give it a go.

He had a little friend in his class too, so we thought that would help.

I was so thrilled with how he did the first day. He did everything his teachers asked him to do.

He was fearless and loved the water. I really had anticipated that he would love it.  

But then the second day came around and he wouldn't get in the water. 

We had to start every lesson by me sitting on the side of the pool with him, putting our feet in the water. 

Sometimes, I wished I would have just grabbed my swimming suit and jumped in too.

I didn't want to push him too hard, but I also knew what he was capable of.

He spent a lot of time sitting on the side of the pool like this. With his goggles and thumb of course.

Better luck next year. He is going to be an awesome swimmer some day!

Kathryn loved her lessons. She passed level one last summer, so she started in level two this year. 

She knew most of the kids in her class and made a new friend. I love that sweet girl.

She loved both of her teachers, and I'm pretty sure they loved her too!

She worked really hard and learned everything, but still needed a little help. She will get stronger.

At the end of every session, all the get to kids jump off the diving boards. 

And the teachers get to show off their skills too.

It's a fun day for everyone. Kathryn jumped off three times. I was so proud of her.

I loved listening to Max cheer her on from the side of the pool. So sweet.

I was surprised when Maxwell asked to go down to the diving board.

He walked out there, but decided not to do it in the end.

Instead he jumped off the side of the pool in the deep end. Good job buddy!

You'll probably be doing flips and tricks in no time.

Kathryn had so much fun, she cried when I told her lessons were over for the summer.

I had already been considering another session for her, so it wasn't too hard for me to make up my mind.

I'm so happy that she loves the water and is learning so much.

Well hello summer!

I love the month of June. And May. And basically any day or month it is warm.

Popsicles, shorts, sunshine, flowers, sunscreen, swimming suits, sprinklers, fruit, picnics, snow cones.

We basically live outside. I love seeing my kids cute little tan lines by the end of the season.

Summer, you've been good to us. I feel like we've just been playing for the last month and a half.

But it's flying by too! It's hard to believe that June is almost over. Here's what we've been up too lately:

Snow cones on my birthday. 

My three little amigos. How I love them so!

Max giving Sam some brotherly love at Costco.

Kathryn and Max worked really hard on putting together their spy camp.

Headbands?

One of the many days spent at the city pool this summer.

Ward softball activity. Max was helping Michael out on third base.

Look at that hit. Love that man! He was silently planning my surprise party this very night.

A date to the dentist with my girl, which was immediately followed by frozen yogurt.

Playing in the sprinklers with cousins at grandma and grandpas house.

Michael and I went on a date to a concert. It was awesome and the bands were amazing!

American Authors

The Script

One Republic

 There's always a lot of time spent in this corner of the yard building things like castles.

Spontaneous sprinkler run at 10 in the morning when ours came on after Michael had done some work.

Sam loves his swing.

We decided to have an art studio outside one afternoon. They had a blast making art and displaying it.

Would you believe that this little buddy LOVES popsicles? 

My mud monster in all his glory.

We've had lots of friends over to play this summer. So fun! These four are pretty good friends.

And they even came up with the idea to make a car wash like one they'd seen on Curious George.

They worked really hard and made a very successful car wash. What creative little engineers.

Sam often takes a nap in his swing too.

Kat has been practicing her writing by copying pages from some of her books. I didn't even ask her to.

We went to pick cherries with some friends. I picked 22 pounds (with help) and have big plans.

Vacation Part 3: Henry's Lake

Michael's brother found a sweet deal on a cabin by Henry's Lake and asked us to come along.

It was then that we planned to take a few days and travel through Jackson and Yellowstone on our way.

This was the view of Henry's Lake from the deck. Beautiful! And what a fun place to stay.

 We had a blast. And so did the kids. They entertained themselves outside for hours. 

Searching for cool rocks (like obsidian), digging in the dirt and pretending to be Native American's.

They even built this cool campfire (below) and set up their own rock museum. I love their imaginations.

 Michael's parents also came to Henry's Lake.

Grandpa brought along this airplane kit for the kids to put together.

 There were a few crash landings along the way, but the kids had a lot of fun.

 Remember how I said these two boys were trouble?

Well they were, and still are:) Probably for many years ahead too.

Like the older kids, they loved digging in the dirt...

 And eating it too. 

 I had already washed Max's face in this picture of both boys, although I wished I hadn't.

But my favorite part were Seth's killer eyebrows. Those were the best!

 There was some four-wheeling. 

 And this little cutie cut his first tooth while at the cabin. Pretty darn adorable.

  The main reason for the trip was the fishing. Let's just be honest.

The men went fishing opening day on Henry's Lake. They had a blast.

And the fish were practically leaping out of the water.

 We attempted to go to church in Island Park. Over Memorial Day weekend.
It was jam packed. Over-flowing into other rooms and buildings.

And the power was out, so we couldn't hear anything. 

It's the thought that counts, right? So, we went for a nice Sunday walk instead.

  The kids got to go fishing too, and the fish were still plentiful after the weekend.
Every single kid (with help) caught at least one fish. Even Max's Spiderman fishing pole lucked out.

 My boys did not like their life-jackets. Grandma took turns trying to console them.

This may sound horrible, but it was pretty cute how Sam could hardly move in that thing.

Kat and Max enjoyed fishing, but didn't really like the actual fish. Too slimy! I guess I don't blame them.

 This might be one of my favorite pictures of all time with my little boy.

 Here are the children chanting "We all caught one fish!"

They all had a blast.

It was a perfect trip and it was so wonderful to be in nature and see all of God's beautiful creations.

And to smell the trees. And pick flowers. And see darling animals. And mountains. I could go on and on...