Do you mean a different Mason?

I finally got the kids in for the last session of swim lessons this summer. McKena is the only one that had lessons in the past, so I was really anxious to get the boys in. McKena has always enjoyed the pool and just swims around like a little fish. She did well with lessons and even began to learn diving techniques. I love her confidence in the pool she is just comfortable in water.

Mason on the other hand has always been quite aprehensive. He would scream whenever Ryan tried to take him out in the water and swim around with him. He just liked to stay on the steps and play there. This year I noticed him getting a little braver in the pool so I decided that it was time to try him in lessons. When I asked him if he wanted me to sign him up he said no, and after the first day I asked if he was still mad and he said yes. However as the lessons went on he really blossomed and did quite well. His teacher called him a little fish. What?? Are talking about my son Mason? I was so excited that he enjoyed himself.

Here is the big slide. McKena's class got to go down at the end of each lesson. The first time McKena I loved listening to her squealing on the way down. Mason's class was able to go down at the end of the last class. It was so much fun for them.

Spencer opened up as well. I think he just needed something to give him a bit of confidence in the water. He was very obedient to his teacher and did a good job. Now he does not freak out when I hold him in the water and it is more fun for both of us.

I am glad we were able to get our lessons in now I just wonder how often will be visiting the pool. Last night Ryan said he saw a house with smoke coming from their chimney. WHAT!! a fire in August. Can I handle the Coos Bay cold?? Anyway here is a cute pic of Brooklyn to end my thoughts.

Let's build something together

On Saturday I had to run to Lowes so I decided to get there in time for the building project that they have for kids every other Saturday. I was completely impressed. I left wondering why I had not taken advantage of this program all summer. It could be because I knew Brooklyn would more than most likely cry while I was in the middle of hammering and I would get stares because I did not pick her up, (which is exactly what happened).

So here is the final project, a bug box. I was expecting some lock together pieces and glue. However there were actual nails, hammers and directions. We did fail to pay attention to the directions and therefore, had to take out nails and hammer them in again. We still walked away happy and satisfied with our building experience. The best part of all was some very nice lady said to me "Since your kids probably won't tell you I think you are awesome for bringing them all here to do this." I felt so appreciated. It was also so much nicer than the "you sure do have your hands full" comment that I normally get.

The kids also all got aprons and they had a patch that you could put onto your apron that had a pic. of the project. I saw one little family with all of their patches sewn onto the aprons and I got jealous about the missed projects and then I realized I probably would have lost our patches before sewing them on anyway. Sure enough I was right because we may have already lost all of the patches.

On a side note, Brooklyn is 6 months tomorrow. She is improving so much now that she can roll around on the floor. I think that she just likes to moves. She is not one for sitting and so the swing is out which makes me super sad because I have a great swing. She sleeps well on the days we are actually home for her to have a nap. She like her pacifier which makes me VERY happy. She already rocks on her hands and knees. I do not remember my other babies doing so at this age. I am not ready for her to be mobile yet so hopefully she will not figure it out for awhile. We all are enjoying her so much.

I think she looks so much like I did as a baby. Especially in the above pic. Mom what do you think??

Here comes the dirt.

We have had a few beautiful days lately. I am sure most of you are experiencing the same changing in the weather and the random spring days that are popping up. We had a great day on Saturday. We started off the am with a little Easter egg hunt at a friends house. In the morning it was chilly enough to need jackets however by the time we got home at about 2pm it had warmed up quite a bit and the kids played outside for the next 3 hours. What a blessing for a mom that needed to get some stuff done. We even took time for a short little bike ride because it was warm enough to take the baby out without bundling. By the end of outside time we had two very dirty peds on our hands. I am not sure if you can tell from the picture, but I often wonder how their faces get so dirty. It is all worth it and nothing that a bath can't take care of.

The nicest neighbors

One thing that I love about our new home is the neighborhood. From the day we moved in people have been so kind. I fill like it is my second ward. When I had Devon a neighbor brought me some frozen dinners and another took my older two kids a few nights when Ryan was working late. Our neighborhood also has parties in the park, a soccer team, a playgroup in the park and a flag football team for the guys. Our neighbors one each side of us and across the street have been especially kind. They give our children treats for every holiday (this is not always good because you know it is not McKena or Mason munching on cookies at 8pm, my cute winter clothes may have to wait until next year) and will randomly drop off other gifts such as workbooks, crayons, marbles and other random things. Anyway how does all of this pertain to this picture? The other day I was in the shower and the kids were having quiet time when McKena comes in to ask if her and Mason can go for a sled ride with Gary (of course we did have a talk about answering the door when mom is not right there). They got all bundled up and Gary pulled them around the park on a little sled ride. They loved it and it was fun to see them having so much fun on a snowy day. We are so blessed!