Green Wrist Band Club

The Pool Rule is you have to pass the swim test to get a green wrist band. But once you do pass- you have free reign of the pool, including the water slide.

If you don't pass the swim test, you are stuck in the kiddie pool with mom and the kiddie. This has been pretty good motivation to build our swim skills. Basically you have to swim one length of the pool, unassisted and then tread water for 1minute.

Tadpole passed the test on his first try. He was dead determined. It turns out that determination makes up for skill. I wasn't entirely sure he was up to the task- but he did it!

Little Chief wasn't about to be left behind in the kiddie pool. We worked really hard for a month. I've never seen a kid so coordinated in the pool. He learned out to breath to the side in a single lesson. After that, it was just about building endurance. He took the swim test every single time we went to the pool. He was committed to passing. One time a skittish life guard jumped in to rescue him the last second of his minute of treading water- which disqualified him.

But we just re-doubled our efforts in the water treading.

And he passed!

Look at the proud smile on my face!

These kids have become strong swimmers in the last couple of months! I can't tell you how fun it was been for me to watch their skills and endurance snow ball.

And if you can't tell- we love my new under water camera!

Kindergarten Open House

I was Little Chief's special guest at his Kindergarten Open House.

He loved being my guide as he showed me his many masterpieces.

This was my favorite- his self portrait.

This kindergartener has stolen my heart. 

He loves going to school and making new friends. 

I'm glad that he shared his world with me tonight!

Superkid's Magic Birthday!!!

Superkid turned 12 on the 12th!

His MAGIC BIRTHDAY!

Complete with his favorite meal- Grandma Sherrie's spaghetti!
He ate 2 jumbo plates of the goodness.

Everyone loves present time!

Especially since it means that we get to thunk Superkid's head!

Tons of presents! Superkid decided he better protect the noggin.

The shield mom and dad gave him provided great protection!

But he put his guard down and Little Chief seized the advantage!

We all love Superkid! We just want to pile on the love!

How do we love Superkid? Let me count 12 ways:
1. Superkid has a pleasant disposition. He is a great kid that people just like.
2. He has a fantastic imagination. When we get in the car to drive to our evening activities, he narrates the departure like he is the captain of a space shuttle on a galactic mission.
3. He is obedient. He likes to do the right thing.
4. He is talkative. He likes to chat about what is on his mind and what funny things are happening at school.
5. He is witty. He is constantly looking for humor in every situation and is quick with a pun.
6. He is inquisitive. If he had a superhero identity it would be a fly on the wall. He is always listening in to figure out what is going on. He loves information of all forms. He has a hunger to figure out how the world works. He loves to listen to NPR. He loves history, social studies and science.
7. He has a tender heart and loves to give his mom a squeeze.
8. He is as sweet as his diet of straight up sugar.
9. He is playful. He loves build space shuttles and planes and dog fight with his brothers and sister.
10. He is incredibly handsome!
11. He is persistent. He puts in long hard time completing his assignments.
12. He is cheerful. He may not like practicing the piano, but sometimes you can hear him singing along as he plays. He loves family traditions and excursions. He is a delight to be with.

I'm so happy that he is mine! Dad and I love you forever Superkid! 

Happy 12th Birthday!

Pumpkin!

Jaws will tell you, you've got to ride in a wagon to pick yourself a pumpkin.

These two are old pros by now...

The only thing better than riding in a wagon is pulling your very own wagon.

Everyone thinks so- therefore, everyone grabbed their own wagon.

I think I'll take this little pumpkin home!

Little Chief found the perfect pumpkin!

Jaws was determined to pull his own load!

And look at the orange globe of goodness Tadpole scored!

Abz found a supreme specimen too!

And if pumpkin carving doesn't work out for Superkid- there is always beauty school to fall back on! Just look at his posture.

And in classic Tadpole form, he not only was happy to have someone else haul his pumpkin, he was happy to be part of LC's haul.

Another perfect pumpkin for me!

Now time to smile pretty for Mommy.

After the pumpkin picking the kiddos all played together on the playground. I told them they had 10 minutes. But after seeing how cute they played war together, we stayed until closing. Who knows how many more playground trips we have where everyone wants to play together!

"Mom, this is not a Honey Crisp."

"But I'll play it cool for the camera."