Finally Swimming!

The kids finished their first session of summer swimming lessons. Bruce and Linda get to advance on to the next class. Jane and Claire each have one more skill to pass off in their current class. We've been in the pool every weekday for the last two weeks and to three pool parties. Bruce and Linda are now great swimmers. Jane can swim but is not totally safe in the deep all of the time yet. Claire has gotten so much more comfortable in the water and is swimming short distances.

Claire was in the Sea Horse class.

Jane and Linda were in the same class, the Jellyfish.

 Bruce was in the Sea Star class.

Uncle Andy's Graduation

After the last day of school we headed to Palm Desert for Uncle Andy's college graduation in Palm Desert.
Andy, Suzanne, Irene

We had a nice lunch before the graduation.

The kids had so much fun with their cousins.

Even though it was around 110 outside, the kids all jumped in the hot tub with Uncle Gregg and Uncle Tyler.  :)

Summertime!

It's only been a week and a half of summer but it has been the best summer I can remember in a long time. I was thinking about why it seems so great. I realized it's because my kids are finally getting older, especially Claire! Every summer before this I always had one or more little kids that required a lot of work so everything we did required a lot of work and worry on my part. We're finally past that stage!

I really feel like we can do anything. Freedom!! :) No diaper bag, no stroller, all of the kids understand danger, everyone can sit through a movie, etc. . It is such a nice change.

Here's to a fantastic summer of doing whatever we want...because we can! :)

Catching Up

Bruce's chess team had a party for their big win and he was presented a nice trophy. He also received the Gold Presidential Award at school for being on honor roll all year. We're happy to be done with all of his projects for the year. He is in a school play on Monday which he's excited about.
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Linda was in a play at school today. She played a Doctor. Of course, I forgot my camera. Last week her class went to the farmer's market and sang about fruit, veggies, and fiber. :)

Bruce and Jane both had their first soccer tournaments with the new club. Jane's team won 2nd place. She has a lot of fun with these girls.

Claire and I have been enjoying our last school year at home together. The more school events we attend, the more excited she gets to start school in the Fall!!

District Chess Champions

Bruce is in chess club at his school. Out of 50 students he made the top 10 to qualify to go to the district chess championship this morning. He did excellent. He won 5 games and only lost 1. His last game was the deciding factor on whether or not his school would win or lose. Just before the buzzer he made his last move and won. This is the first time his school has ever won the championship. Coincidence? I don't think so. :)

Bruce makes chess cool.

 Before his competition began.

 The champions!

 

Robert was able to go to the tournament and watch. I was at Linda's field trip to the San Diego Zoo with these two monkeys. :)

Two More...

I was looking through Linda's baptsim pics today and here's the last two that I like but that aren't going to make it up on my wall.

 I like the yellow in this first one.

 I saw this one on Pinterest and had to try it out. It's not my favorite, but still cute. It's her blessing dress on the clothes line.