More Swimming Lessons

We just finished another round of swimming lessons. Both of the kids did really great. This past year Megan's swimming ability has really increased. She is now officially a swimmer.





We decided to put Jackson in private swimming lessons. Just kidding. None of the other kids showed up. Very weird. It meant that Jackson got a lot of individualized attention and basically had someone to play exclusively with him. How cool is that? He did really great this time. Last session he would not go under the water, but this session he had no problem with it. It was great.





Today Jackson was supposed to go down the big slide, but when he got over there he thought better of it and chose to go down the small slide instead.

Jackson and Sadie waiting for Megan's class to end.

SPT

The SPT theme for the month of August is based on the Olympic Motto:

Citius, Altius, Fortius
(Faster, Higher, Stronger)

Stronger

To me strength is internal. I don't have big muscles or the endurance to do much physically, but I do have the endurance and strength to succeed in any path I choose to take (even if that path is to gain big muscles) . Growing up, it truly never occurred to me that I would have limitations based on my sex. Women that grew up just the generation before me did not always have that luxury. My goodness we couldn't even vote until 1920 and I have a grandma that was born before that. I am strong-willed (and maybe a little stubborn), but I always know that if I have a challenge I am strong enough to overcome it (or at least deal with it).

Me and Rosie (actually in my research last night I found out this picture is not the original Rosie the Riveter). Nevertheless, to me she represents strong women everywhere. We are capable, willing to help and can get the job done. We are pretty cool.

I am a girl, therefore I am strong.
(and yes I am wearing tissue paper on my head)

This Is Why

This is why we leave big pillows next to Jackson's bed:


So when he falls off, the place he lands is just as cozy as the place he came from.

Today I'm Sad

Actually I have been in and out of sadness all week because one of my friend's is moving. Not only is she one of my bff's, she is also my neighbor, so I am losing two different aspects of her. Bekah is the best. She is so funny, beautiful, sweet and truly one of the most loving people I have ever met. We can talk for hours and my kids would choose to play every day at her house if they could. She has helped me and taught me more things that I can relate here. Now I do realize things could be worse. She is not moving horribly far away, but far enough that I won't see her all of the time. My kids are also losing their friends and Eric is losing his tennis partner. What will we do! Life goes on, but we will all sure miss them.

I am also sad today because I have the biggest zit on my face that I think I have ever had. So big that I am considering not leaving the house for a few days. I will spare you a picture.

Trip to Washington

Last Wednesday we left on our long-awaited trip to Washington to visit Eric's family. We spent the first half of our trip at a family reunion for Eric's moms side of the family. The first day while the guys golfed, us girls took the kids to the lake. When we pulled up to the lake, it was raining. I thought to myself, "I wonder what we are going to do now, since it is raining, and there is no way we can swim in the rain." Apparently, not being from Washington I did not understand that rain does not change plans. So we all got out of our cars and swam in the rain. It turned out just fine, and the kids didn't mind it a bit (not even Sadie).

We spent the rest of the day getting settled into the cabin, eating, and having a campfire program. We sang lots of songs, watched some skits, and had smores. I had to leave early however, because one of the skits that I was chosen for, involved getting buckets of water thrown on me. I was soaked. I literally had to wring out my hair multiple times. But it was memorable and I am sure fun for everyone to watch.

Day 2:

The morning of day 2 was spent playing games with all of the kids. They had so many things planned. Numerous water games, parachute games, and a form of kick ball that had a crazy name that I don't remember.

Miss Sade loved the swing and smiled and smiled while on it. Not too far away the kids found an enormous ant hill, and a snakes head. The next day they found the rest of the snakes body. I almost passed out from fear.

That afternoon we headed out to the Ape caves with Eric's brother's Chad and Derek, along with Krista (Chad's wife), and Kate (their cute little girl). Before we went I thought they were caves that Ape's had made in the side of the mountain. You can imagine my surprise when we got there and I found out it was a huge (13,000 foot) underground lava tube that was formed from a Mount St. Helens eruption 1900 years ago. I also have to mention that it is extremely cold in this cave (about 40 degrees). Since I was unaware of this, we didn't exactly come in warm clothing. My kids were both freezing the entire time. Megan was so scared to go in that we literally had to pull her. We hiked about 30 minutes in and then turned around and came back out. Even though the kids complained a whole lot, I am sure that they will be happy the did it (It just may take them a few years to register that happiness).

Megan and Jackson with Uncle Derek. Sadie loved Derek and spent much of the trip cuddled up to him.


Although Megan and Jackson didn't enjoy the caves much, Sadie didn't mind them a bit. She was extremely content in her carrier and didn't make a peep the entire time. Luckily I did have a jacket for her in the car.

We spent the rest of the day playing at the cabin. There were so many things to do. Tennis, volleyball, pool, foos ball, hiking, a playground, not to mention a whole lot of area for the kids to run free.
I have to note Megan's injury tally for the day. She was hit by a ball twice (each hit left her with a big bruise). She fell off a swing onto her head (she still has a goose egg on the back of it). And she burnt herself with the lantern from the cave 2 times (once on her arm and once on her finger-they both left big blisters). Not to mention we had a bathroom issue that I won't even go into. I almost locked her in the room so she couldn't get hurt anymore.

Day 3:

On day 3 we packed up to go to Eric's parents house about 1 1/2 hours away. On the way we stopped at Mount St. Helens. I had never been and really wanted to go. It added a couple of hours to our trip but it was worth it.

When we first arrived there was a big cloud covering the top of the mountain.

However by the time we watched the movie about the eruption and climbed to the top viewing area, the cloud had moved, and we had a great view.

I am including this picture of Eric and Jackson because anytime anyone would ask Jackson to pose for a picture he would do this crazy bent knee model pose. At least he wasn't sticking his tongue out like he usually does.

Sadie playing the drums. I don't think it would have been possible for Sadie to have been any better on this trip. I think it was because she loves to be held, and there were plenty of people around to do that. She was so content and happy the entire time.

Day 4:

Eric's parents 40th wedding anniversary was the day of Megan's baptism, so we all celebrated it this last Saturday. A couple of Eric's brothers made an amazing video that we all contributed pictures for. It was set to music and celebrated the 40 years they had been married.

Don't they look so in love?

We also got new family pictures taken. Here are some of them.

Eric's family

Eric's parents will the grandkids

Eric with his brothers and parents

We had so much fun with everyone. We got to see so many new things, had plenty of time to hang out, ate a lot of great food, and played plenty of games. In my view, it was pretty perfect.

SPT

The SPT theme for the month of August is based on the Olympic Motto:

Citius, Altius, Fortius
(Faster, Higher, Stronger)

These words encourage the athlete to give his or her best during the competition, and to view this effort as a victory in itself. Each Tuesday this month we will do the same challenge. Each week think about the Olympic motto, and how it can apply to our every day lives. Are we giving our best? Can we find victories in the efforts we make every day?

This past weekend we were in Washington and took a day trip to go and see Mount St. Helens. So for this picture I am focusing on Higher.

I trekked higher up the trail.....

To get a better view of Mount St. Helens

Up And Away

Well, after 2 1/2 hours of sleep last night, we have embarked on our trip to Washington. After an uneventful plane ride (thank goodness), we are now sitting at Burgerville in Woodland, WA. We were sucked in by their advertisement for Fresh Walla Walla Onion Rings. The onion rings were huge (and expensive), but the rest of the meal has been rather gross. Burgerville does have one redeeming quality: Free Wi-Fi. Therefore, I am able to do a quick post before we head up into the mountains by Mt. Saint Helens. The guys are all going golfing (without kids), while us girls are heading to the beach to hang out (with kids). Have I mentioned that it is much colder out than the kids and I are used to, so I am unsure how the beach will turn out. But I am sure I will blog all about it when we get back. See you Monday.

SPT

The SPT theme for the month of August is based on the Olympic Motto:

Citius, Altius, Fortius
(Faster, Higher, Stronger)

These words encourage the athlete to give his or her best during the competition, and to view this effort as a victory in itself. Each Tuesday this month we will do the same challenge. Each week think about the Olympic motto, and how it can apply to our every day lives. Are we giving our best? Can we find victories in the efforts we make every day?

So yesterday I changed my hair. I haven't had it cut or colored in a long time and it was definitely showing some problems. I was spending quite a bit of time on it in the mornings, and then ended up pulling it back into a pony tail every day. My hair is quite fine, and when it gets long it tends to get very flat. So I changed it. You might wonder what this has to do with the SPT theme. Well, I am focusing on Citius (Faster). Having this new hair cut has dramatically cut down on the time I have to spend doing my hair. I am now much faster in the mornings, which I am very grateful for.

Megan's Baptism

Megan was baptized yesterday. She was baptized the same day as one of her good friends (Allie), so we started off the celebration by having their pictures taken together. Another one of her friends, Dylan was also baptized, but he didn't have much interest in the girly things we did. Hard to believe, isn't it?

Megan's grandparents were able to come for the day.

(My Mom and Ken)

(My Dad)

(Eric's Parents)

(Megan and Sadie)

(Me, Megan & Eric)

Megan was very excited to be baptized, but she was also very against wearing a jumpsuit. It surprised me, because in her every day life she doesn't wear many dresses. I think her day turned out near perfect, when we got to the church and they had a dress for her to wear. It also was a relief to me, because I know she would have been very disappointed if she would have had to wear the dreaded jumpsuit.
Truthfully, days like this are very hard for me. If it were up to me, ceremonies such as this would be done on a very small scale, with only the absolute necessities. I never wanted a big wedding, and I am even uncomfortable when we go to a restaurant on someones birthday and they are sung too. My face turns red, even if I am not the one that is the center of attention. However, I realize I am weird. Therefore, I soldier on and throw myself full force into these ceremonies for the sake of my family. Luckily I have 4 more years before I have to do this particular one again. I can only hope that Jackson will sing with as much gusto as he did at Megan's baptism. All of the Primary age kids sang the song "Holding Hands Around The World." We practiced all week but you never know how it is going to turn out on the actual performance day. Jackson started off singing quite softly, slightly unsure of most of the words. However when the chorus came about, Jackson started singing his little heart out. His voice raised louder than all of the other kids combined. It was very hard for me not to laugh out loud.