Private Swimming Lessons

Going into the summer, we knew we needed to get high exposure to swimming this year to really jump start the kids desire to be in the water.  Eden and Bentley did swimming lessons last year, but after the two week lessons, they still wouldn't put their heads under water, so we didn't make too much progress last summer (which was our first without the trach). So this year, we decided to put them in two week, private lessons and hoped for the best!

I wasn't sure what to expect with Olivia so we did a practice lesson with her and it did not go well! She went out with the teacher ok, but once she had to start laying back and actually doing work in the water she totally freaked out. So we decided to wait for her lessons this year, and instead we put Eden in back to back lesson times so she could get extra help.  It ended up working out great.

They all looked super cute in their swimming gear. Eden and Bentley were so excited.

Eden and Bentley would be in the pool at the same time, and then while she finished up her second time slot, Bentley got to enjoy playing out in the yard with Olive.

Thanks Brad, for snapping this photo of what I would typically would do during lessons, feeding the baby!  :)

On the final day, Brad was able to get some pictures of the little swimmers. They made incredible progress in two weeks. They now love diving under to get toys, and are swimming a little on their own to get to the wall. They are by no means great swimmers, yet, but they no longer fear the water and love to get in and go under. It was absolutely worth it. We are looking forward to lots of swimming now this summer!!

Cliff's Fun

We love going to Cliff's. It is such a fun thing to do as a family. 

One of Eden's favorites is the Tilt-a Whirl. Brad and I have to take turns on this one because we are getting too old apparently and this thing really gets us! The kids just giggle away though, so it's fun to experience it with them.

The bigger roller coasters were a little much for them last year and after trying them once, they decided it wasn't for them.  So we weren't sure what to expect going into a new season this year. Right away though Bentley was up for riding the Galaxy.  Brad took some pictures all along the way, and it's so cute to see his expression go from excitement, to worry, to fear, and then back to a smile once the ride was over.  Cute boy.  :)

They love the water slide ride though. Even Olive did it! 

There's a new ride in the kid section which was tons of fun. Eden held Karly on the bench outside the ride so Brad and I were both able to go on with Bentley and Olive. Our seats faced each other, but would spin throughout the ride so it was fun to occasionally spin and see each other. Brad got some pretty funny pictures of Olive hanging on for dear life.

We love Cliff's! So much fun!

Riding bikes in the Bosque

Day one of summer break we loaded the bikes and stroller into the car and went down to the bike trail along the river. The kids loved it, although it was a little stressful keeping them in their little bike lane so they didn't get run over by the serious bikers along the trail. We ended up going about two miles though, which was so much fun!

Karly had a nice little rest in the stroller as I jogged along and the kids rode their bikes.

After riding, we stopped and threw lots of rocks into the little ditch that ran on the other side of the trail. They all thought that was pretty fun too.

We love to be outdoors so we love these types of adventures!

Sisters...

I loved growing up with sisters. I'm so grateful for my girls and the fact that they have built in best friends too. I love to watch their interactions and the bonds of friendship forming already. Eden is the best big sister. She is so sweet, patient and kind. Being almost 5 years older than Olive, and almost 7 years older than Karly, I know they will really look up to her a lot and admire her as the oldest. She is a great example and she adores her little sisters and we couldn't have asked for a better role model for them.

Olive and Karly are still so young, but being just under two years apart in age, I really hope they will form a great bond as they go through the same phases of life together. It will be fun to watch them as they grow and develop their own strengths and talents along side one another.

Sisters truly are such a blessing and I can't wait until they can fully understand this too.

First Grade Complete!

She did it! Now.... bring on the summer!!

The last day of school was an early release so we had a big party at the park with tons of friends and snacks to welcome summer.  Yay!