Pictures of the Priss

There have been so many "firsts" for the boys lately, I seem to be leaving Helen out of the updates.

She is right there behind them, following them around, wanting to do all they do.

Lately she's been trying to jump. I can remember Ben trying to jump. He couldn't get his feet off the ground. She's having the same problem, but it's not a concern to her. She still smiles big and enjoys trying to jump.

Every day brings on new words. She's a big whiner, so I'm trying to get her to learn the word for what she wants. Yes, this is important for her development, it's also important for my sanity. I have a strong dislike for whining. She loves to point out the ceiling fan and the light in the room.

Current favorite foods include watermelon, blueberries, raisins, bananas, apples. Notice anything missing? Vegetables! She's a fruity girl!

Helen paints! even her leg.

Cowgirl!


already texting the girls!
July 4th at the river.

reading Moon. (aka, Goodnight Moon, one of her favorites.)

Ben's Swimming Video

One Fish, Two Fish....

That's right, my boys have become little fish in a matter of weeks! Ten days ago we accompanied a friend to the local swimming pool, Seth and Ben both outfitted with their life jackets. We tried swimming lessons back in April, but it didn't go well. My friend and I were hoping that just playing in the pool would help overcome their fear of the water.

It seems, she was a genius.

I signed the boys up for swim lessons after only two days of playing at the pool. They had two friends also taking lessons at the same time, and I was hoping for some positive peer pressure. The first day was rough for Seth. He wanted to wear his life jacket, and when told he could not, he proceeded to cry, scream, throw a tantrum. It was quite lovely. Finally he got in the pool. This went on with him for three days; tantrums before lessons, but each lesson was very successful for him. There are three classes happening at the same time, and you may graduate (or regress!) to a class at any given time.

Ben started out in the intermediate class. He was willing to put his face in the water. That's pretty much the only requirement. Seth wouldn't even get in the pool, so he started in the little kids class which took place on the steps. Ben did great. He willingly tried each new skill, and on day one jumped into the deep end and swam a few strokes to his instructor.

Seth cried before each class for three days. At the end of class on the third day, he some how got it. He put his face in the water while he swam with his arms, and even swam two or three strokes alone; no help. So, he graduated and started day 4 of swim lessons in the intermediate class with Ben. Proud is an understatement. I was able to get lots of short video clips on day three, and the boys happily provided commentary while their father watched it that night.

So I am *hoping* to upload two videos, one of Seth's first time in the deep end, and one of Ben's fourth time in the deep end. Ben's video also includes one of our friends doing the backstroke at the beginning. She's 5, and I believe this is her second week of classes this summer with this teacher. Ben can't wait to learn the butterfly (they teach it in the advanced class; those kids are also 5)!





Unfortunately Ben's video isn't processing. I've tried 5 times, using two different video clips. I will try to post his video in a separate blog post.

Three Lil' Fishes!

Back in May we signed the boys up for swim lessons. We certainly didn't expect them to end the week doing the butterfly, but we hoped they would be more comfortable in the water.

Um, no. They actually became more afraid of the water. Both love splashing and playing in the White Oak River, but when it comes to a swimming pool, forget it.

Fast forward to last week. A friend asked us to join her at the local golf club's pool for a morning of swimming. I wasn't sure how it would go, and took their life jackets as insurance. I also talked with another friend who is familiar with the pool, and ensure they would be able to touch the bottom.

Upon arrival (this morning), I put their life jackets on, and turned my attention to the baby, whose hat I accidentally left in the van. When I got back (and the hat was in the pool bag the whole time!) they were jumping off the side into the pool, putting their whole head under the water.

Who are these children and where are mine??? They became little fish and had a great morning! Right before we had to leave, I encouraged them to try swimming without their jackets. They both did well, Ben was more comfortable in the pool than Seth. Our friend's son (who is also 5) wears goggles in the water, due to some eye issues. Ben borrowed a pair while we were there and loved them. He loved being able to open his eyes under the water. I am on the hunt for a pair for Seth. (My friend clued me in that all goggles are not created equal.) I know that we all learned to swim without them and certainly the world will continue to exist without goggles.

However .... if it helps them be more comfortable in the water, I'm all for it!

And, of course, I forgot my camera. Maybe I'll remember it for round 2 on Thursday!