He Swims!

When we look back on this summer, swimming lessons will definitely be a highlight.  My big boy Noah is becoming a swimmer.  Oh, it has been fun to watch him make progress!

Well, it's been a little painful too.

I have seen him say no and be a bit bossy like never before.  And I've wondered, "Who is this kid?"

But swimming, real swimming with no floaties, is new.  It's about trust and feeling a little out of control in the water.  He's been tentative (which is just a fancy word for a bit scared, right?) at times but has left every lesson happy and feeling accomplished.

 Noah loves Maddy. 

Luke does too for that matter.  He literally talks about "Manny" all throughout the day now.  Maddy knows just what to say to get Noah motivated, to challenge him, and to keep him interested.  Noah likes to be able to see Maddy when he's swimming under water, so she puts on goggles and goes under.  Whatever it takes, she'll do it.  We're talking hour long lessons, and she makes it so. much. fun.

Putting his face in the water has been the easy part.  Noah loves going under water, blowing bubbles and looking around.  However, getting off that step to swim to Maddy has taken some coaxing and serious persuasion. 

The good news is he's doing it! When I called Noah a little fish yesterday during his lesson, he said, "Yeah Mom, I'm a jellyfish. No, actually I'm a clownfish." I love that kid. Noah's kicking form (how does he swim with his bum in the air sometimes?) and efficiency could use a little work, but we're just getting started.  

What I love most is seeing Noah gain confidence in doing something that is hard.  I love that he is learning an important life skill.  I really love that he's so proud of himself.  And I am super grateful that "Manny" is Noah's swimming buddy.  She has made all the difference!

I've taken LOTS of video of swimming lately, but here's just a short clip.  When he goes under water he's picking up toys from the bottom of the pool.  Love it!

Luke's First Dentist Visit

When Noah got his teeth cleaned a few weeks ago, the staff wondered why I hadn't brought Luke in. Well, because his pediatrician said I didn't need to yet, that's why.  But if the dentist thinks differently and wanted this guy to come in, we could definitely make it happen.  Might as well put that dental insurance to work, right?

It probably helped that Luke had already been to the office before.  He was excited to go see the 'en-tis' (dentist).

But maybe he was just excited to go play before the whole dentist and opening your mouth thing had to happen.

Luke was cooperative through the flossing, teeth brushing and only started to get wiggly with the teeth counting. 

After inspecting and tolerating Luke's wiggles, Dr. Ryan reported that we're doing a good job brushing and he's cavity free.  Hurray!

iPhone Pics - May & June

I love watching my boys do things together.  Noah is usually so patient and likes to teach Luke how to do things.  Luke asks for 'cans' (crayons) a lot right now, and it's still looking like he may be the only right handed one in our family.

This was Noah's first time writing his name.  It took a lot of direction, but his letters are pretty decent, especially that 'N'!

The boys are both really into dress ups right now.  Luke brings me this vest and says, "Guy. Guy," because he wants me to help make him into a 'working guy.'

The gym also has some fun dress ups, which Luke never passes up.

 A nasty cold and hot fever slowed this guy down for a few days.

Noah rode his strider bike all the way to Kristina's and back, which is about a mile and a half round trip.  He was worn out but happy.  He's got the balance thing down pretty well, so maybe a real bike isn't too far off.  FUN!

While Luke napped one day Noah went to Grandma Pebley's house with the girls.  He came home with a full report about the fun he had there. 

The day before Father's Day we visited Papa's grave and then went to dinner at his favorite restaurant, Lupita's. 

 Noah was sporting his World Cup shirt in honor of Papa.

These silly boys LOVE goggles.  Luke calls them 'gasses' (glasses).

It was a little ridiculous for Noah to wear them in the tub, but it totally got him comfortable with putting his face in the water.  He's doing great in the swimming pool and loves going under water.

Noah was in such a happy mood this day when we were on Sutter Street.  He happily waved to every person who walked by and said, "Hello folks!" So silly, but so cute.

Fourth of July

We spent a few days at the cabin to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Our first destination was Tahoe Pizza Company for dinner.  

We're starting to get quite a collection of these car pictures!

Noah and Luke were so happy to see Olivia, Sammie and Abby. 

After seeing the girls, Luke started saying "Cunzins! Cunzins!" (Cousins)

The kids continued the fun after dinner by hopping into the hot tub.

I don't think Noah's smile could get any bigger.  He has so much fun with these silly girls.

We spend most of the Fourth at the beach playing, swimming and relaxing.

Luke spent hours in the sand.  He was so happy. 

And all of that playing meant a nap was in order too.  I love the hand behind his head!

Grandpa took the kids out in the raft, and then Nate and his brothers joined too.

 

My boys are so lucky to have such good men to call their family.  These Boyces are experts when it comes to love and fun and they are just oozing with integrity.  I love each one of them and am so grateful for the role they'll play as our boys grow up.

We thought the whole day would be spent at the beach, but by about three o'clock we were all tired and ready to go.  The kids relaxed and continued to soak in time together.

We skipped the amazing Tahoe fireworks.  Our kids are little.  I wasn't in the mood for the late start and then fighting traffic to get back to the cabin with exhausted kids.  We have LOTS of years ahead of us for fireworks.  But I don't feel like we missed out.  It was a great, all-American day filled with fun, barbecuing and topped off by s'mores.