Last and final day of swim lessons

I am so impressed with my kids and how well they swim. I have never enjoyed swimming (something about having to perform in front of others and get my face wet....), just never liked it. I like the water, but swimming was not fun. Jeff and I are both determined to make sure our kids can safely swim and enjoy the water without fearing it.

 

 After swim lessons, we head to the Community Center down the street and grab a free lunch, then head back to the pool for more swimming. This time, a fire truck came while we were getting ready to go swim again. The kids wanted to wait for the firefighters to come back, so we waited. Hoping to get a chance to see in the truck.

Lucky kids! Not only did the they get to be in the truck, but they got to try on the helmet (was hoping noone had lice....haha!)

 Thanks to the men and women of the Fire Depts!

Pre-vacation

Before we headed out on our long journey, a few more activities to finish up. 

Took Lucas and Lea to the dentist and I had a check up too. Turns out all the soda and ice I like, really is  bad for your teeth. I have 6 teeth that need some repair.......can't wait to go back.

It was Lucas' first time so he brought along his soft blanket and frog. Next time he told me, he would leave them home. Awwww, so big! :)

We bring our own shades cuz we're just that cool! :)

A trip to the Aquatic Center and to Palfreemans - I went on my own hoping Jeff would come later.....alas work took over on Saturday.

My kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! the diving boards. Scott was disappointed his friend wasn't there to play with him, but he never ceases with the amazing tricks off the board. :)

updates are coming

Complete with picture overload. As soon as I can collect them all, you'll get to see all the fun things we did and why we drive more than 3000 miles to visit these places. And it's not the places that make it fun and worthwhile, it's the friends and family. Can't wait for next year! :)

4th of July!

 Lucky Jeff got to work from home on Monday the 4th. Thank goodness we had swim lessons, then headed to McD's playland for 2 hours. We had plans to go to Sorensens, but they canceled and it was shaping up to be a lame holiday for us. I love the 4th and normally we celebrate in Idaho Falls, but the last couple years have been here. Last year was a blast, but for whatever reason, firework shows were held up to 2 days before the 4th......so we missed them. But I tried my best to make it a fun day even if Jeff had to work.

 so, we stuffed our little faces

 crammed in the play place for a photo op

 posed for more photos

 After playing there - I'd reached my limit on the noise and the food - it was time to go. Headed home for naps. Thankfully Angie called and said they were ready to party - yeah!!! Still Jeff had to work, so out on our own and very late in the evening, but we still swam, then ate outside until we were attacked by a bat and the kids were FREAKED OUT! me too, but I braved the outside to collect all our swim stuff. Jeff finally arrived around 10 and we made our way outside to play with fireworks.

 Abbey wanted nothing to do with this - notice she's not in the picture, she ran in the house before we even started.

 I finally convinced her to watch and watch she did. just like that - the whole time. haha! you'd think with how loud they(my kids, not the fireworks) are, that noise wouldn't bother them.

 SPARKLERS!

 

 Ammo not so sure

 

 What's a party without jumping over flames?!

 slightly smaller flames

 Jeff needed to get in on the 'blowing things up' party

 sweet girl

'are we almost done?!'

one of my favorite pictures of the evening - ammo just chillin' with his dad.

Happy 4th of July!

slide - yeah!!!

 Last year at El Prado pool, there was a really cool slide - the kids loved it and it was shallow enough they didn't need too much help getting to the side (except for the current that pushed them towards the middle of the pool)

This year: slide=deep end and much needed help

Abbey's class went - the first session, the teacher asked who wanted to go, only 2 went. This time, he just took them all and up the stairs they went - looks like fun huh!? Only one said he wasn't going - Abbey's friend Soren. He may have been the only smart one.....how bad could it be??

 Mason Farris - the slide is SUPER fast! (Abbey's class was waiting for the bigger kids to go down)

 Already in the water.....don't worry Oscar helped her to the side.

 Wanna go again!? noooooooooo.

Lucas' turn!

 Lucas and his friend Shane - they've been in the the same class for 4 weeks, going on week 5. 

Good buddies

Lea was gone to the Science Center with Natasha so I took a picture of another friend Amy - seriously this slide is crazy fast. The kids just shoot out the end. 

Abbey will not be going down again - Lucas won't even go unless it's for class.

that was close

We almost didn't make it through 'Popsicle Day'.....she freaked out trying to swim across the pool. Threw a fit when Miss Erin tried to put her goggles back on and help her swim again. I had to sit with her in the pool while the others got popsicles. But she got back in and did it. Did I get the good one on video? no. Did I get the really horrible one on video? Yes. Will I post it? No - it's breaks my heart. 

I'm very proud of you Abbey for getting back in and earning your popsicle and of course the coupon for free ice cream at Scooptacular!