More Swim Lessons

Karma called me up a bit ago and told me that there was an opening in Madison’s class for a semi-private swim lessons. I know that I had already spent $40 for two sessions at the public pool, but I felt this would be more beneficial. Besides Caden will get to do it with Madison, and they absolutely adore each other.

I have to say that I have seen immediate improvement. Caden is doing an awesome job. He is getting braver each day, and I am very pleased. This only solidifies my thoughts to never sign him up for public lessons again. Semi-private is slightly more cost, but they learn sooo much more.

This has been fun because Caden gets to spend some time with Madison. One day after class this week we went and spent some time at Karma’s house. Karma made them some PB & J’s and the kids climbed under the table to eat them. They are just too cute together!

Hailey turns ONE!

Let me introduce you to Hailey. Hailey is the daughter of Karma & Jared...sister of Madison. Jared is Shawn's cousin because their Mommies are sisters. We love to hang out with their family because our kids are so close in age, and we always have so much fun together. Caden and Madison are about 6 months apart. Sydney and Hailey are about 9 months apart. Today was Hailey's first birthday! I still can't believe that she is ONE already!

We headed over to their house in the evening for cake and ice cream. Caden couldn't wait to get over there. He absolutely loves Madison! It was a great evening. We sang Happy Birthday, and celebrated this adorable little girl! She wasn't too excited about the cake, but I sure thought it was yummy!

The kids had alot of fun playing together. It was so funny to watch Sydney following the older kids around, and copying everything they did. She really idolizes them, and tries her best to keep up with them.

Even though the kids are technically 2nd cousins, I feel like they will be as close as if they were 1st cousins. I hope that they will have fond memories of the fun that they have together. My heart melted when we went to leave and Madison & Caden gave each other the biggest hug. It was the sweetest thing ever! I hope that they will be able to continue their friendship as they get older. I have so many memories of the fun that I had with my cousins. Do you have any that you would like to share?

A New Year!

I can't believe another year has come and gone. One of the things that I would like to do better this year is journaling or blogging the day to day activities that our family does. Since Shawn and I have been married I have really slacked on writing down memorable and mundane things that have occurred. I feel that there are many things that will be forgotten because of my laziness. I hope to do better this year so that our children can look back and recall the fond memories of their childhood. Hopefully you will find this fun and interesting to check in on our family from time to time.

New Years this year was a little different since it was on a Sunday. We had a nice relaxing evening. We went over the the Christensen's (Shawn's cousin Jared) for dinner and then watched some movies while our kids played. Jared and Karma have two daughters, Madison & Hailey, that are about the same age as our kids. Caden really loves Madison, and even though they are really second cousins...I feel they will be real close as they grow up. Hailey is still quite small, but it will be fun to watch her and Sydney as they get older. Here are some pictures that we took of them last night.

Caden, Karma & Madison

Hailey & Sydney

The kids after we woke them up to drive home... I love thier just woke up face!

Of course the kids did not make it until midnight, but we stayed up...rang in the new year...and then went home and went to bed. I know...so exciting! hehe Man, we are getting old!