My Junior Lifegaurds

I love watching my children learn and grow. This summer, both kids made leaps and bounds with their comfort and skills in the swimming pool. At the beginning of the season, Jacob was completely reliant on his life jacket and Jenna insisted that I hold her the entire time (even with her life jacket on).

At the end of the summer, I couldn't believe how much they grew into their fins and gills. Jacob can dive to the bottom of the shallow end to retrieve objects, jump off the side and go under, float by himself, and swim the beginnings of a front crawl. He also learned how to do a kneeling dive by me showing him once.

Jenna became her own little motor boat. She would paddle herself all over the pool. She was more comfortable putting her face in the water, blowing bubbles, front/back floating with assistance, and jumping off the side.

I am proud of my little fishies. Looks like we will be visiting some indoor pools this winter!!

Reflecting on a Life

Scott and I would like to thank everyone for all of the support for our family over the last couple of weeks. We have a strong faith in God and know that John's soul rests in eternal peace with our Savior. But even with that knowing, it is difficult to transition to a life without him being physically with us.

John lived an honest, fulfilling life and left behind his love and compassion in the reflection of his boys and grandchildren. I am grateful for having known him for the last nine years. I am thankful that he treasured his time with our kids; that he took the time to sit on a bank and fish with Jacob; that he would drop everything when we pulled in the driveway, throw the kids in the wagon, and head off across the yard for an evening of little adventures.

He is a father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. He is remembered by so many for the impact he made on their lives.

In my attempt to understand God's plan, I keep clinging to a quote that a friend sent: "In the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - credited to Abraham Lincoln. And it has been clear to me that John made his years count.

Snakes!!

**WARNING - If you really don't like snakes, you best stop scrolling. Nothing graphic, I promise.

Last weekend, the kids and I visited Wickiup Hill Nature Center for a hands-on learning session about snakes. The gentleman that owns the snakes was extremely knowledgeable about the various species of snakes that occupy our state. We all walked away learning something new.

The kids had the opportunity to handle many different types of snakes. All were safe and completely used to being carried around. The setting for this session was so tranquil. The snakes were relaxed and mellow. The children were all polite and patient. It was quite an experience.

Jacob dove right in. He was not shy about holding any of the snakes...including the 10 foot python that was the centerpiece of the room.

Jenna never acted scared (thankfully there were no mascots/"costumes") but she was slightly more reserved in wanting to hold a snake. She eventually came around and then she was one of the first with her hand out when they brought out a new creature.

I know many of you do not like snakes. But I think it is important to expose my kids to new situations and learning experiences so they can grow and understand more of the world around them. For that reason, I am so thankful that we discovered Wickiup Hill and that they care enough to organize these types of programs.

Waiting for his turn to hold "Mukluk"

Bull snake

Jenna is still working up the courage

No fear

Jacob liked when they wrapped around him

I don't remember what kind of snake this was, but it was cold and kept curling up into a ball when it was being held

Jenna's time with Mukluk

 

All wrapped up

Baby milk snake - Just Jenna's size

Second Day of School

Jenna wasn't going to let us walk to school this morning without her. And she was very clear that I was not allowed to walk next to her. She was walking with her brother.

Fun Days and Family Reunion

Every year we enjoy the festivities of Springville Fun Days and we are blessed with the tradition of a family reunion the same weekend. It is great having the time together as a small family unit and as a whole.

Waiting for the parade to start

The bucket guarantees more candy...and it doesn't blow away

Three generations

He puts the "fun" in Fun Days

Sizing up the next obstacle

Jenna didn't realize that this side of the family doesn't do a fish fry...Don't tell her

First Day of School

My little boy is officially a Kindergartner. He has considered it so since his last day of preschool. Now that the summer months flew by, he had his first day of school today. It went very well. There were no tears and only smiles when I picked him up. Of course, his favorite part of the day was recess with lunch a close second.

There are still negotiations about his future mode of transportation. I say he needs to get comfortable walking his route while Jacob insists that he should ride his bike. We are taking it day-by-day!

A good luck hug

Jenna is ready for school too. She insisted on a backpack this morning.

 

Pre-Preschool

Someone is Ticklish...

Summer Days

The summer has gone by so fast. The weather has been fantastic and the kids are at ages where we can have a lot of fun.

Jacob has gained a lot of confidence in Grandpa's pool.

 

With Jenna's birthday, she received her first piece of mail...with money in it...she calls it "money mail"

 Out for a cruise on a gorgeous night

 Nighty-Night