In an hour Zach and I are taking Norah to her swim lesson at the Y. Because I'm the only parent totally on vacation, I've had the joy of chauffering her each day this week to her class. She's an eel, the second level for 4-6 year olds, and she has been deemed a no-bubble swimmer. (This means she doesn't need any sort of floaties. I'm so proud.) Norah loves to swim, and she's quite strong, but she is not too keen on getting water in her face. Normally she will go under only if she psychs herself up and plugs her nose. Lessons, though, are making a huge difference. She is getting so brave! Yesterday she swam through the hoop UNDERWATER and Wednesday she held on to the 12-foot pole in the deep end and went under twice. This is huge news. We're planning on spending a lot of time in Zach's brother's pool this summer, and we want her to be confident and comfortable chasing her cousins and jumping in with screaming abandon. Another week as an eel and I think she'll have it :)
Tonight Zach and his brother Jeff are taking their dad to Wrigley Field (holla, Chicago Cubs!) for a Pink Floyd experience concert. To celebrate the men's absence, myself and my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and all of the kiddos (7) are heading to Hacienda, our favorite fun family dinner destination. I for one am quite looking forward to a frozen margarita or two.
I'm on a family high right now, excited about all of the things we plan to do this summer. I might be feeling family so much because I got to spend time with two of my nephews yesterday. Sam had a Little League game in Elkhart, so Dad and I headed over with Levi to do some cheering. Sam is FAST. He stole two bases twice and played catcher the entire game.. Zane, my youngest nephew, sat next to me and played Legos. It was so relaxing to chat with my sister, Wendy, about her current home-schooling adventures and be surrounded by fellow Worts. I'm also feeling inspired about our summer plans because I just caught up with one of my favorite blogs, Enjoying the Small Things (http://www.kellehampton.com/), as she chronicled her family's road trip preparations. The games, arts and crafts, and friendly gas pump messages just make me smile. I don't know if I have the inspiration or the time to be nearly as creative, but I love her enthusiasm for making life as fun as possible for her girls. Speaking of Kelle Hampton, I am currently enjoying her memoir, Bloom. Buying the hardcover was my Mother's Day gift to myself. Filled with beautiful photographs and moving details about her family's adjustment to her younger daughter's Down Syndrome diagnosis, this book reminds me about all of the triumphs moms feel each day. Kelle just seems like a friend I'd love to have :) Definitely a chick book, but as a chick, I dig it.
Levi says, "Have fun today! I know I will."
Levi looks very happy! I'm sure that has to do with your amazing parenting! Hope things are going well with you! I miss our little shin digs, but I know we are all excelling in own light. Your writing connects and flows freely. I hope many others become hooked on your talent.
ReplyDelete~Kyle :)