Just Keep Swimmin'.....

The kiddos completed their swimming lessons last week. They all worked really hard and have accomplished some great goals. Since Ryley and Kadyn had learned to swim during previous summers, their aim was to improve on style and technique. Thatcher and Haley had high hopes of learning to swim and wanted to get secure enough to hang out with their sisters in deeper water. At the half way mark of twelve lessons Haley decided she'd rather watch and try again next year. Based on the fact she had worked so hard already, not to mention she was now hiding in the closet if I mentioned the word "pool", we decided it was best to not push the matter and assured her she could try again when ready. It actually worked out perfectly because Thatcher was now left with their swim instructors undivided attention. I truly believe that is the main reason I can offer the following video for your viewing pleasure. Seeing the look on their face when they accomplished something they never imagined possible was by far my favorite part of these past six weeks. Since they all decided to stick with their lessons and instructors for the remainder of the year, I can only assume they too enjoyed that great feeling of accomplishment, that and they really like the slides and wave pool afterwards.

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Lunch Lady

I attended Open House last week and was greeted by a giggling Kindergarten teacher who informed me that Thatcher Ballard was becoming very well known at Spoede Elementary with teachers and staff alike. They can't believe how entertaining he is and are quite surprised at the conversations that take place between him and surrounding adults. For example, the following happened just a few days ago when Thatcher entered the lunch line, excited to be having Mini Wheats cereal as a special Monday lunch item.

(Lunch lady hands Thatcher a sack with cereal, a muffin, and milk.)

Thatcher: (after looking into the bag) "Excuse me. Can I have another milk?"

Lunch lady: "No. I'm sorry. I'm only allowed to give you one milk."

Thatcher: "I would really like another milk please. I want to pour one in my cereal and I want another one to drink."

Lunch lady: "Sorry. Only one milk per child."

Thatcher: (Sighs) "Well, that's just unacceptable."

(Thatcher steps out of line. With the brown sack under one arm and his one milk in the other he begins searching the cafeteria for his teacher. Once she is located he taps her on the back.)

Ms. Davenport: "Yes Thatcher?"

Thatcher: (very seriously) "Who do I need to speak with to get another milk?"

Luckily his teacher is very nice and was able to secure a second milk for Thatch. I'm grateful he has the courage to step out of the line and attempt to fix his concerns - especially since every Monday is "healthy cereal day" for lunch.

Life With Azure

3 months old and can't imagine life without her.

Azure is definitely living up to her name.....

she can turn any gray sky completely blue!

Summer's Over, So What!

The best part of returning to the routine of school? Weekend time becomes so much more meaningful and fun! This past weekend Steven headed to the City Museum with the oldest three kiddos. We had heard this museum was amazing, but definitely created for older children. We figured that Thatcher was cutting it close at the ripe age of five but wanted to give it a shot. A few fun filled hours passed with no injuries until they all headed down the 10 story slide, at which time poor Thatch hyperextended his finger. Pride wounded, and one hand cradling the other, he was returned home for a rest. Steven handed off his wrist bands so the girls and I could return for a bit more fun. As we entered the building the girls kept asking questions like, "do you think you're as small as Dad? If you are, then you'll fit." Or my favorite, "I know Dad can fit....are you certain you can?" Out loud I was laughing, but inside I was thinking, "are you kiddin' me....I haven't been enduring the past 8 intense and seriously committed weeks of P90x for nothing! I better fit!"
Our plan of a few more hours turned into seven to be exact. It was by far the best "kids" museum we have ever been to and obviously one where both parent and child can be easily entertained. At the end of the day even I was disappointed to leave and didn't do so until we had gathered all the info needed to buy a membership for the year. While older children did seem to maneuver easier, younger children were also having a fantastic time. Luckily Thatcher's finger is fully healed and we are all excited to return asap. Alright, Azure didn't sayshe was excited, but I can see it in her eyes.

Final And First

We enjoyed the final few days of a carefree, relaxing summer this past week and today entered the exciting, fun filled days of school. I loved elementary school and love that our kids do too. I of course miss them to pieces while their gone, however, if you really think about it I have determined that the unique qualities of both "seasons" is the very thing that makes them so great and special. Without one, the other would become boring and mundane.

To start things off the school held a "new student" scavenger hunt which gave them the opportunity to learn the layout of their new surroundings . A few days later they held an ice cream social for all students to meet their teachers and fellow classmates. Our kids had a fantastic experience at both activities and couldn't wait for the first day to arrive. This morning they jumped out of bed with great enthusiasm and headed off together - which I'm quite certain makes it 100 times easier to let them go. Luckily, the younger girls and I stayed busy with a check up, errands, and making our traditional "first day of school" treat. I won't deny that I checked the clock hourly in anticipation of their arrival home. I was hoping it was a fantastically successful day for each of them and luckily my hopes came true. They jumped off the bus with smiles all around and for the following hour I had the great pleasure of reliving their first day of school.

Zoo Yahoo

No matter where we move around this beautiful country the zoo is always one of our first and most favorite places to check out and become familiar with over the course of our stay. There are so many reasons to love the zoo. First, it's often free - or else comes at a very reasonable rate for a years pass. Second, it's an activity that offers excitement and exercise all in one package. Third, it's way easier to keep your eye on multiple children who are walking at a slow pace in front of you, verses a museum or store with numerous corners to turn and racks to hide in. Fourth and finally, did I mention it's often free? The St. Louis zoo has been nothing less than spectacular. We've had multiple outings already that were absolutely fantastic, and that's with temperatures reaching the 100's! That must be why they offer so many opportunities to get wet - and boy do our kids take them.

"Mom threw this one in mainly because I'm so darn cute!"