Let the Summer Outings Begin

And it's time to start being vigilent about sunscreen again. Ugh! But it's worth the effort.
Our "summer outings" began with a trip to the pool last week with Oma. The water was still a little chilly for me. I was able to get in and swim with the boys for a bit, but after a little while I got cold and had to get out. Of course, getting out is almost as painfully cold as getting in. The boys had no problems jumping in and staying in.

The boys have been looking forward to swimming. However, they both needed a little time to get used to it again. Ryan went ahead to the pool with Oma while I finished getting ready. Oma said that Ryan jumped right in, then realized that he had forgotten how to swim. He panicked, and Oma had to jump in after him. I got in the pool with Ryan, let him jump to me, then made him swim back to the edge by himself. He did not want to let go of me. "It's too far. I can't do it." Finally, I pried him off of me and gave him a little push. That was all it took. He remembered. That's when the fun began. Jumping, swimming and jumping some more.

Todd had a similar experience to Ryan. He got right into the pool and pushed off the stairs. I was watching from the edge of the pool. Todd forgot how to swim, panicked, and I had to grab his arm and guide him to the edge. I reminded him how to use his arms to make circles and how to get his feet behind him and kick. He kept trying and it clicked. He remembered. Then he was jumping and swimming and racing with Oma.

Just don't splash Oma...

This weekend I took the boys to the beach. I was looking forward to some beautiful photos, but the beach was kind of dirty: seaweed and green water (the yucky green--not our beautiful "Emerald"). We still had a great time, and even got in the water. The yellow flag was flying, so I didn't let the boys go in too far. We just had a good time jumping over waves. Once Todd put his mask on he had a great time jumping through the waves.

Sandy bottoms...

Sand angels...

Making "dog prints" in the sand...

Kindergarten Field Day

So many outings to post--so little time. I'll just do what I can, when I can. For this morning's viewing pleasure I will record my first Field Day as a mom. Ryan and I watched Todd's two-hour Kindergarten Field Day. I really enjoyed it. Ryan got a little bored (read snuggly)...

and a little silly. Say "Cheese!"

Todd and his best school friend David eat lunch together every day. I'm sad that David's military family will be moving this summer. The boys have had a lot of fun together this year.

David and Todd did the Three-Legged Relay Race together. They did a good job. No falling. Their class got third place. (Yeah! A ribbon!)

It was a hot, humid day. The kids were rewarded with some fun water relays at the end, including this pass-the-bucket relay. The kids got soaked and loved every minute of it.

Ryan didn't get to participate in the water relays, but he did enjoy playing in the puddles made by the water relays.

Mrs. Blackburn leads the kids in a "Shake, shake, shake!"

Did we have fun? Yes, we did!

Tea For One

Ryan often has a difficult time entertaining himself during the day. When he does come up with something to do it almost never involves toys from the many in the toy room. It often involves something "illegal", especially relating to water: the hose, the bathroom sink, the kitchen sink, or did I mention the hose?

A few weeks ago, I found Ryan entertaining himself. (I have found him entertaining himself since then, but this was cute enough to break out the camera.) Although it did involve water, I didn't mind because it was in a controlled environment. Ryan placed himself in the circle of a hula hoop and had a little solo tea party. I tried taking photos by stealth, but eventually he spotted me. His reaction was priceless: (in a loud, but very proper voice) "My, my!"

I couldn't stop laughing, and the spell was broken. No more proper tea-(really water)-drinking boy. The next photo was typical Ryan: let's see if I can take a swig with the whole cup in my mouth.

Entertaining a Preschooler in the Grocery Store

I don't usually take my camera with me when I go grocery shopping. I haven't become one of those bloggers yet. But today I had just come from CVS where I was uploading some photos to print to share with the grandmothers for Mother's Day. (Yes, I'm a day late; and yes, it will be even later by the time the photos are sent.)

Ryan was starting to get on my nerves a little with his begging. He kept bringing up the toys from CVS that he wanted to go back and buy--rather toys he wanted me to buy.

As I mentioned previously, Ryan has become more interested in photography (see enthusiasm below).

I pulled my camera out of my purse, and the effect was immediate. What a privilege! The use of mom's camera with limited restrictions. So much to see. So much to document. The frosting, the cotton candy, and more!

Even better: Mommy's silly face. This photo produced even greater laughs when seen in the playback.

Now that the boys are a little older (and less likely to drop things), I may have to use the camera as a distraction tactic more often. Think of what you could document in Walmart!

Big News!

It's almost old news now; it's taken me so long to report it. I got my hair cut last week--short! with layers. In fact, it's so short that I can barely pull it up into a ponytail anymore (...gasp!). I have been relying heavily on headbands around the house, and have even resorted to pigtails once in a while.

The good news is that I really like it. I don't think I've had hair this short since I was a toddler. I do miss my ponytails. Oh, do I miss my ponytails. But I don't expect it to be too long before my hair grows long enough to make a decent one possible.

I don't have a self-portrait with my new hair cut, but I will post one as soon as I find a decent photo. I think I probably look more like my sister Lisa than ever before. [Lisa, you'll have to send me a good self-portrait so we can compare ourselves side-by-side. Then I'll really be able to see how old I am!]

Surprise Photos

"Mom, Ryan was playing with your camera."
"No, I wasn't. Todd was, too."
Hmmm. Ryan, care to change your story?

Ryan has been showing more interest in taking photos. I've found a few surprise photos here and there. The photo above was a nice surprise. I always like photos of my smiling boys.
The photo below really doesn't do anything for me.