Making the move

The kids, the dog and I will be heading to Missouri next week to settle into our new house. Michael will meet us the following week when he can sign out of Fort Hood. I'll be sure to update the blog with pictures of the house once we get all settled in.

We'll also be making a trip to Michigan for a short vacation before heading back to Missouri to get Austin started in school. I can't believe he's going to be in first grade!

Here are some pictures of Abigail at her swimming class to hold you over!



Where is she?

Abigail's pre-school swim class

Abigail started a swimming class yesterday. The class is for 3 & 4 year olds and goes for two weeks. The kids actually get into the pool by themselves with the instructor. There is a platform in the bottom of the pool that the kids stand on and hold on to. I thought she would get right in and be fearless, but it's taken here a couple days to get use to the water. It also helps that we know all the other kids in the class! Here are some pictures!

Monday

A little freaked out from being dunked!







Tuesday

She was excited about wearing "boat jackets" today.











Our little swimmer! She's so excited about swimming like a dolphin!

After Austin's swim experience last year, he didn't want to take swim lessons again. Instead, he's continued on to the advanced golf class. He now gets to use his own golf clubs at class, so I'll have to get more pictures of that! This week and next they both have a class on Thursday night, so I'm glad Michael's home. We can get them both to where they need to be at the same time!

Noodles

It has been very hot here lately. Temperatures have been reaching the hundreds almost daily. The kids really wanted noodles to use in their pool when we were at the store last week, so they each got one. We came right home and set up the swimming pool. I think the pictures explain themselves!

























Have I mentioned how much I love my camera lately?

Swimming lessons

Immediately after returning from vacation, Austin started swimming lessons. Because he is 5 years old this year, he was able to take the Level I learn to swim class. He could get into the pool by himself without a parent. I thought it was a great idea and that he would love it...



He apparently did not



He and the wall were best friends



That is until Coach Norma got a hold of him



Of course once she took him under water, he was glued to her



He eventually warmed up to the idea





The class ran for two weeks. Daddy got to go to the first week of classes, but was gone during the last week. On the last day of class Abigail & I got to get into the pool with him. Abigail had a blast swimming.

Mother's Day weekend

Last Saturday started out with a trip to Lowe's to gather stuff for the yard. Abigail and I headed to Lowe's while the boys headed to do some other errands.

When Abigail and I got home, I was surprised with some flowers that the boys had picked up.









They even picked out a balloon!

The girls stayed home to work in the yard while the boys went to our friends house to help with a fence. Once we got the yard work done, Abigail and I headed over to our friends house with the pool in the back of the car.

I love Austin's face in this picture!







Good one of Abigail



Not too bad for Austin



And I've lost their attention



The boys were playing with rollie pollie bugs



And the little girl was kissing her Daddy



I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day weekend!

Independence Day

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July Holiday. Friday the kids and I headed to a friend from works house for a BBQ. Michael wasn't able to go because he had to work late that night at the Freedom Fest on post.

This is my attempt at getting a cute picture of Abigail in her Fourth attire. Obviously not a great picture of me, but a decent one of Abigail. Thanks Austin for taking a great picture of us!

After Austin's swimming lessons, he was ready to get into the water by himself. Eventually Abigail & I got in with him, but there were plenty of big kids in the pool to help with him if he needed it.

The kids loved the Little Tikes Jump 'N' Slide that was set up.

I attempted to get a cute picture of the kids together, but they didn't cooperate for me like they did Stephanie. I hope the picture she's taking turned out cute!

We could see the fireworks show put on by Ft. Hood where we were at. Abigail could have cared less because it was way past her bed time and Austin thought they were pretty cool. He was more interested in running around with the other kids then he was watching the rest of the show.