Swim lessons

I originally scheduled swim lessons for the three oldest at the indoor pool. I couldn't get all four in the same hour so Roman got left out. Apparently those making the swim lesson schedule didn't think any one family would have a kid in the baby class, toddler class, and level 1. They were wrong. 

Unfortunately not enough parents wanted their toddler to avoid skin cancer by swimming indoors so Jude's class was canceled. When I explained to the nice teacher, who called to inform me that she could put him in a later class, that I had a two other kids in swim lessons at the same time and there was no way I was going to keep Roman out of the water for 2 hours let alone one, I was moved to the outdoor pool where they could accommodate all three in one hour. 

Jude had a great time. Roman stayed dry. Adelle is moving up to level 4. 

Maeve is staying in level 1 for another session. That will be three rounds of level 1. At least she has mastered getting in and out of the water....

Funny thing is that I have seen her do several of the things on her list on her own. She just wouldn't do it for her teacher. I wonder if this will be a problem in first grade...

Activity Girls Temple Trip

Most of you know that I am the leader for the Activity Girls at church (ages 8-11). In January our Bishop gave the congregation the challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. We extended that for the Activity Girls to 5 months. They had from January to May to read. Out of the 15 or so girls these four finished the challenge.

The Primary President and I took them to the Independence Visitor's Center, on a picnic lunch, and to the temple as a reward. It was a fun, interesting day. The girls had a great time. And I only had a minor headache by the end!

So proud of Adelle! She has read the Book of Mormon twice on her own. I didn't read it completely for the first time until I was 16. Now she is ready to take on the Bible. She is quite a speedy reader but that may take more time!

The Oval

We are moving soon to a house in the same town. I am excited about having a fenced in back yard and a washer and dryer. Our children are excited about having more space to play inside and about having a yard. But I think they will miss the "oval" a little. It is the grassy space in the middle of our apartment complex. A perfect racing track shape. We headed out one night this week for some family time. It started with a little "Where's Roman" game. Can you find him? Then a race around the track. I think Jude has the best running form of the kids but no one can compete with Adelle's legs. I think Maeve may have inherited the tongue from her Aunt, Air Jordan Dahle.

 

Then we finished with popsicles. Yes it was a little warm for a shawl. But I just finished it and had to enjoy it. Too bad I am such a slow knitter that I am finishing my winter knits in the middle of summer... oh well winter will come again.

Roman is 2

Dear Roman,

It is hard to believe that you have been a part of our family for 2 years. It seems like just yesterday that you looked like this, a sweet little bundle of joy, a gift freely given from above without even asking!

It is crazy to think that I was sad (just a little) to have you join our family when you did. Certainly God's timing is different then ours and He knows better than we do. My sweet little boy, born during a busy, stressful time of our lives. You are so well adjusted and mostly easy going. 

It is fun to watch you learn to speak (hot and crack (ha, ha, for cracker!) being your first words) and now you are insistent on saying the prayer yourself after we have family prayer. You love to give hugs and kisses. You throw temper tantrums but don't have the heart to carry on for long. Mostly they just make me laugh as you fall flat on your face in frustration.

You are similar to Maeve in more than looks. Like how no matter how many books I read to you at bedtime it is not enough. I love that you love to read. Unlike, Maeve, you are fearless. Flying off the couch, following the example of Jude. Keeping our fingers crossed that you survive childhood without any stitches, broken bones, or brain damage. 

This is probably the last birthday that we get to choose your cake for you. Each day you are developing more and more of your own opinions. It makes me sad to have you grow up. Your little life seems to be going by so quickly. You aren't a little baby anymore but a little boy. Slow down, don't grow up! You are my last little baby and I want to cherish every moment!

I love you forever,

I like you for always, 

As long as I'm living,

My baby you'll be. 

Love,

Mom