We started swimming lessons this week. The last experience we had (two years ago) was terrible, and I decided to go to a different pool this time. It’s 30 minutes away, which isn’t that bad for where we live. But the big three are in lessons at separate times, and they’re each only 25 minutes long with a 30 minute break in between. Which means, we get to sit under the gazebo and wait/watch for TWO AND A HALF HOURS. Four mornings a week for two weeks. We’re halfway done, y’all.

July 8

We stayed overnight at my grandparents’ house, and went home Sunday. The kids played for HOURS with Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs. The kids love being there, and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.

July 9

First day of lessons. I didn’t know what to expect, so I wasn’t prepared. LONGEST. MORNING. EVER.

July 10

Day 2. We rushed out the door, so I still wasn’t very prepared….the kids got creative with their boredom busters.

July 11

Day 3. I was more prepared, and brought two of our three LeapPads (the other one is MIA).

July 12

Day 4. Essie was grumpy from the get-go. We finished lessons and ate lunch, then we went back to the pool for some “fun swimming”. After 20 minutes of that (or less), the thunder and rain came. It was QUITE disappointing.

July 13

My dad’s birthday! It rained in the morning, which was great (since we weren’t at the swimming pool), and then the girls and I went out to investigate/explore our garden. We have a pumpkin!! And a sunflower!! It’s exciting stuff.

It’s especially exciting that we don’t have to put on pants to go out there (by we, I mean everyone else in my family, of course. I always wear pants).

This was the only day that I got my Nikon out. The garden does that to me.

July 14

Today was my nephew’s 9th birthday party in the evening, and there was swimming, swings, and shenanigans. The real shenanigans, however, happened at home, in the afternoon. The kids were GOOFY. Here’s proof:

The Dress Up Dance Party

All I can say is, at least one of these kids will see this picture again at some point in his/her adult life.