Hopefully, My Final Word on this Subject

Today, Lucas took a swim test at the YMCA. If he passed, he would earn a Green Band. The green band enables them to swim wherever they want (in whatever depth) without me having to be with him. The test is that he has to swim 25 yards (the length of the pool) without touching the bottom or lane lines.


He did it! I wasn't worried. He has been swimming that distance all week. Multiple times. Back and forth.

Pretty good for a kid that drowned less than 2 months ago. The other kids are little fishes too. Libby isn't quite green band material, but she'll be taking a couple more rounds of swim lessons this fall. We aren't done.
School starts on Monday. Lucas will be starting Kindergarten. I don't wonder what his answer will be when asked what he did with his summer vacation. The answer is Swim.

Snuggle

My word, these kids are cute! Libby doesn't actually like cuddling while she sleeps (much like her mother). But Lucas would be completely content to just sleep right ON TOP of you. And all night long. Don't bother trying to slip out, either. He'll find you. And smother you with his "love."

Moving On Up

 Did I mention Abbie's starting MIDDLE SCHOOL in a couple of weeks?

We're over here taking deep cleansing breaths. And buying bras. And deoderant. And scraping pennies together for braces, and reminding her to wear her glasses. Sheesh. I keep hoping she'll get more unfortunate looking so the boys won't pay her any attention until she's 23. No luck yet. She'll be starting band soon, so at least there's that.

What Theme Parks Look Like with Five Kids

We took the kids to Universal (for free, thank you employer) back in April. This is largely how we spent our day: eating junkfood and waiting. Riveting.

It's a Drive By

We're back to business as usual around these parts. The business of summer. Which means lots of swimming (no drowning allowed) and popsicles. 

School starts in just under one month and there is still a ton of stuff we want to cram in. Better get my act in gear. 

Some pictures:

Surprise. We adopted a dog. She's the sweetest little who-cares-what-breed dog who tolerates our children exceedingly well. We renamed her Mimi. Who names a dog Khloe anyway?

 Group shot.  Both of these pictures are from March...that's why my children look cold. It was probably even 60 degrees outside. Brrr.