Summer Swim Lessons

A few months ago we booked my friend Tiffany for a week of swim lessons.

When the week finally arrived, the boys were so excited.

Vanessa has a pool so every morning we made the one mile commute to her house.

By the end of the week the kids were swimming across the deep end.

Tiffany and Zach

Zach, Tiffany, and Vivi

Gavin swimming across the deep end.

So proud of himself!

More proud smiles!

Gavin getting his certificate.

My only regret was not signing Gabby up, but Tiffany's schedule books quickly and at the time we scheduled, I didn't think she'd cooperate.

We've since discovered that she loves the water.

We're now contemplating the idea of having a big hole dug in our backyard for next summer.

Backyard Fun...

There's nothing like a simple stress-free day in the backyard. My kids rarely even complain about the heat and humidity.

I guess their bodies are acclimated to the Florida heat.

And the final picture...

The boys started complaining about my relentless picture taking. That probably doesn't surprise some of you :)

"Mommy, we can't smile anymore. Our cheeks are hurting!"

A Tea and Spaghettio Event...

Gabby and I recently hosted a tea party and luncheon for her brothers.

It's generally difficult to keep her interested in things for more than a few minutes, but much to my surprise this kept her occupied for over an hour.

At one point the boys were ready to leave and retreat to the playroom.

Gabby wasn't very happy about them leaving so we agreed they could bring a few toys back to the table and feign interest.

I think Zach secretly enjoyed the tea party, but as long as Gavin was complaining he was on the band-wagon.

As Gabby continued to fill all of our teacups I caught Zach whispering to Gavin. I never confirmed the details of their secrets, but I had to quiet them minutes earlier for telling Gabby that the tea tasted like pee-pee.

I used to wonder when all the potty talk would end, but with my boys I don't see any end in sight.

While I was preparing their lunch, Gabby decided to grab this bag.

Anytime she has a bag in hand she says, "I go bye-bye!"

Within minutes Gabby returned from her excursion for our gourmet spaghettio lunch.

I know it looks like she wore most of it, but she actually does manage to feed herself quite well.

Overall Gabby's tea party went very well and I believe the boys had more fun than they'll ever admit!

A Park Day with Mommy...

When I reflect upon my childhood I recall such great memories of my favorite park in Jacksonville, Fl.

It was called Boone Park and although it has changed considerably, it still exists today.

It wasn't a very elaborate park, but it was a place of many great memories created with family and friends. I can still recall my dad pushing us on the swings and then running up under them. I also remember the see-saws, the super tall slide and the merry-go-round. These are things you can hardly find in parks today. However, most of all I remember how great it was simply being there and just being a kid.

I wonder what park memories my kids will remember most.

I also wonder how long it will be before they decide that park trips with mommy aren't really all that cool.

For now I guess we'll just keep exploring parks and as long as I'm getting these big smiles, I can feel certain that we're creating the same kind of childhood memories that mean so much to me today.

Check out her incredible upper-body strength.

This statue and flag pole were donated to the park by a woman in the name of her grandchildren.

The boys trying to recall the pledge of allegiance.

I was impressed that they remembered to put their hands on their chests.

Gabby loves to look at the kids and even hugged them all a time or two.