Jacob 7 months old

Such a big boy!

Happy 4th of July 2011

Isn't that a great site! Tell me that isn't the best patriotic start to a parade! I am proud of these veterens. (My dad is in here but hiding behind a flag)

Here's my dad... the tall one on the back row on the end. For all my old drill teamers... don't you just want to yell GUIDE! HAHA.

This is the only photo of my kids. Let me explain some things. First off, they are sitting waiting for the parade to start. Second, they are wearing my mom's silly hats to keep the sun off of them (which at present time there wasn't much sun). Third, Matthew has a cracker in his mouth because my kids were a little under the weather. Poor things were outside the day before enjoying Soda sun and 4th of July morning ended up with heat stroke. They couldn't stop throwing up all morning. By the time this picture was taken, Kimberly was feeling better but Matthew had just thrown up again. I had the cracker in his mouth to try and settle his tummy.

We did have a great 4th of July. Enjoyed the parade, had a great time at my parents house, enjoyed visiting with family, watched many fireworks, checked out some old cars at the Cruise-in, and enjoyed the sun. Yes we had a few hiccups in our weekend but all in all we had a great 4th.

Happy 4th America!

Swimming 2011

Kimberly

Matthew in his alien goggles.

Kimberly hanging out in her cute goggles.

Matthew

So we just finished up swimming lessons for the summer. The kids did great and I am just glad they are over. haha. We take and pay for swimming lessons at the Sports Academy. A bit pricey but worth every penny. The classes are small and they swim indoors so no matter what the weather is, they will swim.

Kimberly did great. Let me give you a bit of background. At age 2, Kimberly would not get in the water... not even for a bath. She would stand in the bathtub and scream. She hated water. I have no idea why but that was just her. Eventually she did start sitting in the bathtub and then started to like water. At age 5, I put her in her first swimming lesson. She was so scared but did what the teachers told her to do. She would rarely let go of the teacher on anything and would not jump into the water like all the other kids. After swimming lessons that year, she eased up a bit at the big pool with us and started floating like she learned. Each year she has been less afraid and more willing to do things. This year she was a fish. She was swimming around by herself the first day. So much so that they moved her up to a different level. She didn't get scared... she loved it. She got to try her hand at side stroke, back stroke, front stroke, and many other things. My favorite part of her lessons... Kimberly leaping into the pool and floating on her back without the help of her teachers. She isn't afraid anymore. I am so proud of her.

Matthew did awesome. This was Matthew's first year of swimming lessons. From watching other preschool groups in the past, my only goal for Matthew was to stay in the pool. I didn't care if he listened or did what the teacher wanted... I just wanted him to stay in the pool. Well he far exceeded that. He was floating around and not scared of anything. I am so proud of him.

In a couple years I will have to put the kids in a few more lessons in the summer. That way the kids can learn and continue to improve on their swimming skills.

He's Mobile!

No Jacob hasn't been watching Kimberly do backbends. He figured out how to be mobile by doing this backbend to get around. It is so funny watching him do it. Yes if you were wondering, he does have a bit of a bald spot because of this scoot. The only good that comes from this is he puts his feet down flat to do it. He tends to curl his feet in (we have had him checked by a specialist and it will just take time to work them out) so to see him use them flat makes me happy.

Jacob's first big boo boo!

Poor baby! We went up the canyon to enjoy the weather and ride the 4 wheeler. Duke, Jacob and I were hanging out listening to nature. I decided to get up and get me a drink. I startled Duke and he wiped out everything in site to see why I jumped up. Well Jacob was part of that wipe out. Duke's leash rubbed along side Jacob's eye and boy did it hurt. He screamed pretty loud. I felt bad but not much I could do. Just one of those things. He was a good sport though. Doesn't this picture make you sad though!