Kepler Takes Swim Lessons

Our natural born fish...Kepler Binks.  He was already doing cannonballs and diving for rings, but for some reason, he refused to come up for air!  The kid swims in the 10 foot deep end with no fear, but doesn't come up for air!  So we put him in lessons with Miss Karen for two weeks.  Let's just say he still doesn't come up for air, but he does do somersaults and the backstroke!

By the way, Jillian has taken up photography...she took all of these photos (and about 100 more!).  Pretty good, huh?

Lunch with Daddy

Every month the student spouses from Jason's class do a 'lunch drop'.  Typically we all bring the kids and a pot luck dish and hang with our student (in our case, Daddy), for a while.  It's supposed to give us the chance to see them--SINCE WE NEVER DO OTHERWISE!!!

Welcome Home, Mr. B!

Every saturday afternoon PetSmart holds an adoption fair for dogs.  The kiddos love this-we usually fall in love with every puppy and take pictures with all of them.  And it's indoors, so the air conditioning is always nice!  This past saturday, however, we decided to look at fish...and I couldn't pass up the three little sad faces as they begged me for a fish.  A FISH!!  They've been asking for a long time for a pet, so of course I caved and let them pick out a beautiful colored betta fish they have named Mr. B.  It's no Kaiser or Duke or freakishly shy Koi or crazy 5 cat house (you know who you are), but the kids love Mr. B like he's part of the family!  BTW, they said they chose Mr. B's name because he's blue...go figure.

She's really not bored....she's patiently waiting to feed him again.  He's either gonna be really fat or really dead soon!

Bowling with midgets

Had a bright idea to take the kiddos bowling.  I always remember having a ball bowling.  My grandparents used to take us, my parents used to take us...and I remember following rules, not getting too close to another bowler, being quiet when someone was making a shot (is that proper bowling lingo?).  If the bowler next to you was up, you waited patiently for them to finish before you took your turn.  My three 'generation text' kids have no concept of this!  I felt like it was a constant battle to keep the kids away from my swinging arm!  I kept envisioning Kepler with another chipped tooth because he didn't listen!  Also, I don't remember having the option of raising/lowering the bumpers for each bowler.  This is a wonderfully welcome addition to the bowling experience!  It ensures they get SOMEthing when the ball finally reaches the pins 30 minutes after being launched.  Of course we all had fun...we always do.  I seem to have a cynical way of explaining all of our experiences...ha!  It's not all bad.  I rather enjoy watching Holden do his re-tard dance as he waits his turn(very reminiscent of Elaine's dance); Kepler always finding the funniest places to chill; and Jillian taking charge of the situation and scoring higher than the rest of us!  Here's some photos of today's events:

God bless the bowling ramp!

Miss Sexy Shoes assisting the midgets

Miss Lil takin' a shot.

 Chillin' like a.....like a........like......what the heck is he doing?  I guess is must be comfortable.  He stayed there for a while!

Scores game 1:

Jillian115

Bree 97

Holden 89

Kepler 73

Scores game 2:

Holden 115

Jillian 97

Bree 97

Kepler 85

July 4th fun

Only 200 degrees on the fourth of July this year!  It felt like it anyway.  We had a lovely time with the Jarvis family.  Things started out okay...all the kids were dressed to the nines in their red/white/blue garb.  All three kids managed to eat barbequed chicken and hotdogs without one shirt stain!  (I know this surprises Marcy!)  Then the water ball came out...the dry slide became a river slide...and then the dirt turned to mud...then the next thing you know, Kepler's brand new shirt is brown, Holden is covered in grass and mud, and Jillian's freshly curled hair is dripping wet!  At least they were cool!  The not-so-smart adults were in the shade, but it was still friggin' hot!

 Adam and Sasha Jarvis

Then it was off to Randolph Air Force Base for some 4th of July fun.  And heat.  They held this particular event on the tarmac...so hot.......so we did some under the tent stuff like face painting:

Yes, he has his eyes closed.  He kept peeking at the girl painting his face, but he wouldn't look up!  Hilarious!

And last but not least, we hit the bounce houses and slides...this was by far the best part of the day!

Just a side note:  Texas outlawed fireworks this year....BOOOOOOOoooooo, Texas.  Maybe next year!

Swimming!!

Swimming lessons were a success...and I'm now happy taking three kiddos to the pool alone.  It's quite the undertaking, with pool noodles (poodles according to Kepler), swim rings, dive toys, goggles, towels, sunscreen, water shoes, flip flops, drinks, snacks....you get the picture.  We've gone so much, we are the tannest family in the south, I'll bet!  I'm amazed by Kepler's ability to jump into the pool absolutely fearless.  He gets into his little inflatable ring and just jumps.  Little turd.  Jason was able to convince the older two to start diving.  AND THEY DO IT!!!  Our frightened little kiddos dive into the pool!  Holden is able to hold his breath long enough to touch the bottom of the 10 foot deep end.  Ahem...he must take after me!

June brings.....

Well, June is off to a smashing start!  Aside from spending most of our time with our friends the Jarvises, Jillian and Holden began swimming lessons!  Let me just say that they MUST take after their mom...as I was always known as 'the fish'.  It's amazing how they have taken to the water...no doubt thanks to their swim teacher Ms. Taylor.  She has a great 'take no crap' way of teaching and the kids really pay attention to her.

I just decided today to start all three kids horseriding.  It's a little pricey, but I think it's going to be well worth it.  Anne is the name of their teacher...and she plans to teach them everything about horses BEFORE they get to ride!  That's right...my three afraid-of-poo kids get to wash, brush, feed and clean up after horses!  With any luck, Anne says the kids may get to be in a parade in August.  I guess I've gotta get 'em some boots!  I'll keep you posted on this one...they start the end of the month!