Fun in the Sun

For those of you that weren't able to go to the "Fun in the Sun" Activity...you missed out! It was one of the funnest things that I have done with my kids, and it was all free! There was so much to do that we didn't even get to all the different stations. I hope they do it again because the kids had a blast. I was a little worried about how I was going to handle it with all 3 kids, but it worked out great! Thanks to Cricket for telling me about Hotslings! I bought one shortly after having Thomas, and I love it! It allowed me to have my hands free, keep Thomas happy, and it is so much easier than a Snugli. We were there until it ended, and then Karyn and I stayed longer, and let the kids play together in the park. It was so fun to watch them all get along. They had so much fun that we ended up being the last people to leave the park! It was a great day!

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!

Last day of Swimming Lesson’s

Today was Caden’s last day of swim lessons at the public swimming pool. By the end of this 2 week session he has shown some improvement. I do have to say that I think that he would do much better in a semi-private environment. Next year when I get my mailer from Courtney (my neighborhood swim teacher) I will not hesitate to get my kids signed up. She is a little bit more expensive, but I feel that they learn soooo much more.

The last few days of the swim class they took the kids over to the “big” pool to practice floating, and other things that you can’t really do in the other pool. I remembered to bring the camera and took some photos of Caden. I really wish that they were in this pool the whole time because I think it was a lot more effective.

It was also nice because I was able to get a lot closer, and “cheer” Caden on. He seemed to try harder when he saw or heard me. Overall, I think that he had a fun time. It will be nice when he really gets the hang of it.

I do have to say that today was a little crazy. Sydney has been having such a hard time lately. She breaks down crying for no apparent reason. Some of the littlest things set her off. I think part of it is due to the fact that she is getting about 4 different teeth all at the same time. She has had only 6 teet forever. Today she was upset that she couldn't play with the camera. Then when we were ready to leave she had a massive meltdown. I had to carry her out kicking and screaming all the way to the car. Getting her into her carseat was another battle. This is her on her way home. What do you think I did with her when I got home? I think it is written all over her face! She was tired! Don't you think she has the cutest. chubby, little legs!? And no...her shirt isn't that small...it just rode up after all of her fighting!

Swim Lessons- Take 2

I signed up for another session of swim lessons down at the local swimming pool. I was excited because Kent was going to be taking them with Caden. I thought it would help Caden want to participate better.

The first day turned out disastrous. I should have known it would because I was running late. I knew that should have implemented Melissa’s 20 minute rule sooner. We got there, and I tried to coax Caden into the pool. The events that followed were…well lets just say that it involved a lot of screaming, hitting (I was not hitting), crying, and ultimately ended with us leaving without attending the lesson.

The next day I tried to prep Caden a little more. Our conversation went like this.

Me: Okay Caden, what happens if you don’t get into the pool?

Caden: You will take my hand and we will go home.

Me: What happens if you go to class, and listen to what the teachers tell you to do?

Caden: I get to pick a prize from the box (yes, I bribe my children with a “surprise” box), and then I will get to play with Kent afterwards.

We went over this a couple of times (or should I say one hundred!) so that he would understand the consequences. I made sure we were a little bit early, and things went much more smoothly. With Caden being the stubborn child he is, I think he wanted to make sure that I knew that he wasn’t having too much fun (even though he was!). I laughed when I saw this…my boy sure has a mind of his own.

By the end of the week, things were much better. I think he really is enjoying doing the class with Kent. I am so thankful they are such good friends.



One thing is for sure, the 20 minute rule really works! It helps me be on time, and my children (more specifically Caden) have much better time with the transition. I am trying to make it a habit, and never be late again....heres to hoping!

Swim Time

Last year Caden took lessons from a girl that lives around the corner. This year I forgot to get him signed up, and her classes filled up. So instead I enrolled them with the public schools. Yesterday was their first day. As if I didn't already know that Caden and Sydney are polar opposites...this solidified it.

Caden is old enough that he was able to go in a class of his own. I sat and watched as he refused to participate. Since this was the first day they were real easy on them. They played some fun games, and tried to get Caden to blow bubbles in the water. He would have nothing to do with it. He is as stubborn as they come. He hates being told what to do, and in fact will try to do the opposite. I hope that he gets better as the days go by.

Sydney was a whole different story. Since she is only 21 months, I have to take the class with her. She absolutely loved it! She was laughing the whole time. She made bubbles, kicked, and didn't even cry when I put her under the water. It was so fun to see her having so much fun. The instructors got a kick at watching her.

It still amazes me at how different their personalities are. People always say that no two children are alike, but I never thought that they would be as diverse as they are. It makes me fear what I will have to deal with as Caden gets older. I sure hope that he realizes that I am just trying to help him become a responsible, independent adult!