Swimming Lessons

TJ is old enough to take a beginning swimming class without me in the water with him. He swims twice a week at Lake Shore Athletic Club. Russell is quite upset about the whole thing because he is not old enough for a "by yourself class" yet. I keep telling him he'll get to go after his birthday in August. My dear friend Carol has been kind enough to watch Amelia during swim lessons so I don't have to take all the kids.

TJ loves his class. His teacher's name is John but TJ calls him Brother John. He's learning how to float on his back and hold his breath when he puts his face in the water. Whenever TJ finishes a task he loves to give his teacher a big high five.

I really enjoy watching TJ from the bleachers. This is a first for me as mom (it's only the beginning of many bleacher sittings I'm sure). Have I said lately that I love being a mom because I sure do love it.

Russell is really into bandaids right now. He barely bumped his head earlier that day and needed a bandaid to make it all better.

Super excited for his first day of lessons

Our First Pets

A few weeks ago we went to a carnival put on by the Middle School I taught at six years ago. The boys had lots of fun playing games and eating junk food. The highlight of the experience was when I threw a ball in a small jar of water and won two goldfish. We stopped at Fred Myer on the way home for fish food. The boys named the fish the Nemo Brothers. The first brother lived until the next morning before he had to be flushed down the toilet to "go back to the ocean" as Trevor put it. The second Nemo Brother lived a little longer before he followed. Neither fish made it through the week. The boys were a little disappointed but decided they would be ok and just win more fish at the next carnival.

So many quality treats to choose from

The Nemo Brothers

Amelia being a good baby

Our New Favorite Park

The city built a new park 2 miles from our home. It sits on a hill overlooking Cherry blossom trees, small farms, and green forest. The kids, Carol and I head to the park any time the sun is out. There are trails to ride bikes on, wonderful playground equipment, covered picnic tables, and lots of open space. It's the best place to wear your kids out.

TJ riding with his Dad's old pink skateboard helmet on to keep him safe.

Russell following close behind

Carol and Amelia

Russell, Savvy, and TJ on the turning wheel

She loves her hands

He loves his sister

All smiles

Thanks Grandma Andrea and Papa Tom

Trevor told the boys the mail would come today at noon. He explained how the hour hand and minute hand both needed to touch the twelve. The boys watched the clock on and off all morning. Three minutes after noon TJ yelled that we missed noon and we needed to get to the mailbox before someone stole our mail. The boys put their shoes on and raced down the street with Amelia and I trailed behind. Inside the mailbox was a package from California. Grandma and Grandpa had sent them something from their trip to Mexico. Here they are in their costumes.

No Nap

Ever since Amelia was born, both boys have given up their nap. Russell however, can't quite seem to make it through the day with out falling asleep somewhere around 4 or 5 o'clock. If he sleeps too long he keeps TJ up all night. If he doesn't sleep at all he's not too fun to be around. I'm trying to find a happy medium.

This is a bird's eye view

He's got good balance in his sleep

Half on half off

February Work Party

I need to catch up on a few events from last month before moving into March. The month started off with a trip up to Olympia to see my Aunts and Uncles. The Bowdens and the Leavitts came down from Canada to visit and help my parents clear some overgrowth in their backyard. We wanted to see them and Trevor has always wanted to use a chain saw (this was a good excuse to try one out). We enjoyed catching up with loved ones and working outside. The boys wanted to help but had a hard time getting over the noisy saws.

Trevor, feeling powerful

A little manual labor

Russell with Aunt Cheryl

working boys

too loud

TJ with Uncle Shane and Uncle Royce

What a saw

Love Month Highlights

Most of you know I did love month for Trevor last month. It's something I started about 3 years ago after hearing about it from my friend Natalie. The boys and I really got into it this year. I would say this has been the best love month yet. Here are a few pictures and videos of the months activities.

The boys making cupcakes

Valentines dinner and dance

Heart shaped pizza love month dinner

Candy Gram

Russell and I making Oatmeal cookies for Dad

House decorations

Amelia on Dad's new heart rug for his bathroom

Yummy dinner at Anthony's Seafood in Olympia

Our special Anthony's dinner to end the month

On my birthday I decorated our room for Love Month. The boys really enjoyed the hearts and rose petals.