Smiling Mom

Imagine my surprise today when my darling four year old son says to my impressionable two year old daughter, “See that eClaire?  That’s outfit is sexy.  It’s SO sexy!”

?????? Um, ok….

I actually disagree!!  :-)  I believe this is sexy.  Oh and so is this.  And oddly, this as well…

But my first link is sexy enough to be revisited here.

Huh?  Don’t you agree!  SEXY!!!

Since both of our children were under a year we’ve have them participating in once a week swim lessons.  A year ago when Hubby hurt his shoulder, all our swimming fun came to an end.

Having kids close together in age has so many pros, but in the case of swim lessons…not so much.  Two swimming babies equals the need for two parents to manage.  With one parent down for the count, we chose to take a break.

This past summer we spent many hours in or around water.  It took us no time to realize that our much enjoyed break from lessons has put our kids behind the curve in the pool.  It still requires two focused parents to swim with our 4 and 2 1/2 year old at all times.  BC, at this point, should be a bit more independent than he is.  With his personality, determination, and drive, he has potential of being a great swimmer in no time at all.  Yet he’s not.

Recently BC’s developed some pretty bad habits such as his intense love for the doggy-paddle. (Head up, bent arms, feet kicking below the water) And although this new found skill helps him get to the side of the pool in an emergency, it’s the antithesis of how he should be swimming.

In addition to BC’s new found love for the paddle, eClaire has taken this year to step out of her fearful shell that she once lived in and now is outgoing, excited, and confident in and around the water.  She kicks with ease to the side of any pool.  Her technique looks good and she has shown more passion for swimming than any other sport or activity thus far.

Armed with this knowledge we took the step of calling up our local swim club.  Their fall swim lessons are already in full swing, but fortunately for us, their happened to be two spots open for my kids at the perfect time on the perfect day!  Hurray!!

Starting this week, our kids restart their swimming education and both Hubby and I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our children are once again learning the skills needed to become water safe.

We had the opportunity to tag along with my dad to his institutes in Indian Wells, California.  His team an he have a powerful message they are sharing with teachers and principals throughout the country.  Their message of No Excuses, and the notion that not only every child CAN learn, but should be learning.  And it’s our (the schools) job to make that happen.  Powerful.  Like, change the face of education powerful.  I attended a few sessions and now feel more of a sense of urgency to get back out to the school site and make changes happen… more on that later.

For now, some pictures.

eClaire hanging with Auntie Ali.

Cousin Mika, hamming it up.

Cousin CJ and BC.  BC’s all, “AAYYY!”

But the majority of our time was spent sitting just like this in the pool, avoiding the 110 degree heat.  Gotta love vacation!

My children LOVE the beach.  San Diego has warm waters, and sunny skies.  We couldn’t miss an opportunity to play in the sand.

Exfoliating…

Hanging with Daddy

Jumping waves

Boogie Boarding (OK, only Daddy and Uncle Jonny who joined us)

And Making Memories

Good Times, happy days.