Pool Time

We've logged quite a few hours at the pool this summer. Spencer and Emma both took a round of swim lessons at Ida Lee, our local community center, and closed out the swimming season with 6 private lessons from my friend Tera. (Tera and I did a lesson swap; violin lessons for her daughter, swim lessons for my kiddos). Emma has gone from being nervous about putting her face in the water to showing off her dolphin kicks and "mermaid" swimming skills every time we are in the pool.  

Spencer progressed really well in his Level 3 swim class, which was taught by a high school friend of mine who goes by "Mr. Billy" to his swim students. He can do freestyle and backstroke from one end of the pool to the other. He also loved practicing diving off the side of the pool and can do 5 cannonballs in a mere 30 seconds. (He had me count yesterday). 

John logged a lot of time on the sidelines during swim lessons, but he is as much a fish as his brother and sister. Grandma gave him a puddle jumper this summer; it's a clever swim aid that lends more balance than a lifejacket and allows them to move their arms in a swimming motion. John loves to be in charge of his own movement, splashing and kicking to his heart's content. There are times that he just wants to snuggle a parent, but it has been marvelous to go from toting two clingy, nervous kiddos around the pool earlier in the summer to having independent swimmers for much of the time. 

John in his puddle jumper.

This picture is from earlier in the summer, but I love the cheesy grin. Taken at the neighborhood pool.

The week before school started, we used a Living Social deal I had purchased to go to Volcano Island Water Park. This used to be the Algonkian Pool, back in the day, and I remember taking swim lessons here and saving my change so I could buy a grape soda afterward. Grammy, Joel, Sarah, and Trina joined us for the first part of the day, which was so fun! We stayed for a good 5 hours. Spencer conquered every slide in the park, going on each one at least 3 times independently after his ride buddies (the Cummings) left. I was really proud of him and watched from the shallow end where I was hanging with Emma and John while Spence climbed the pavilions and came splashing down.

Emma used her new swimming skills to engage a group of cute summer campers in a game of tag. She was splashing and swimming, gliding underwater, and having a lovely time. It's so much fun to see the freedom that comes with the realization that going underwater is fun instead of scary.

John took a little time to warm up; it was cloudy and a little bit cool when we first arrived. After a while, he found his groove and was king of the baby slides. He also loved the ramp leading into the pool and thought it was hilarious to bonk his head into the railing repeatedly. I didn't think that was such a good idea, so we put a repeated end to that activity. Crazy monkey!

Love these kids, and love taking them to the pool!  

Hurrah for a summer of swimming. 

Tough Kids

It's been a busy medical year for our family. John, in particular, has had more than his share of doctor and hospital visits. We started off in early March with a small surgical procedure to probe his tear duct, which has been clogged his whole life. The doctor who performed the procedure was able to get through the membrane blocking his lower duct, but not his upper duct. Here is John in the surgery center waiting room before the procedure.

Here he is snuggling a lion/bear stuffed animal that they gave him. He was nervous, but so sweet. He allowed the anesthesiologist to carry him back to the operating room. This first procedure was quick (10 minutes), so he only had to be put to sleep using gas. 

Just a week after John's eye surgery, we were having Family Home Evening, and John was being his rambunctious self, running laps around the room. (We're still working to teach reverence to this active fellow). He tripped by the fireplace and had a most unfortunate fall that sliced the back of his ear open. Adam and I took him to the local Urgent Care, hoping to avoid the long wait that is inevitable with any trip to the ER. Three LONG hours later, John had 4 stitches in the back of his ear. He was really good for a long time, but since it was 10:30 when he finally got stitches (WAY past bedtime), those were some tough moments.

Back at home, he was happy to consume a popsicle show off his padded ear to Grandpa, who waited with the kiddos while we were attending to John. 

John's June included an Urgent Care visit to get what turned out to be a dislocated elbow popped back into place.

Come July, we were back at Reston Surgery Center for a second procedure on John's eye. The scar tissue in his tear duct had sealed the passageway shut, so we were referred to a specialist for a more involved procedure in which a tube is placed in the upper and lower duct, holding it open while the scar tissue heals around it. The official procedure name is "Right Balloon Catheter Dacryoplasty." Before placing the tube, they enlarge the duct using a balloon catheter, similar to what might be done for a blocked artery. John was happy to see the toys in the lobby, but he remembered being here before and was less than thrilled to go back to the OR. 

Since this was a longer procedure, John was first put to sleep with gas and then they placed an IV. Dr. Malone, the surgeon, discovered a false passage near the upper duct but was able to locate and clear the true passage. It took John a long time to wake up. John was looking at pictures with me yesterday while I was organizing them in iphoto, and when he saw this one he said, "Nigh-nigh...Owie." That about sums it up, Buddy. He was super snuggly when he woke up and a bit agitated. The anesthesia made him nauseous on the way home, but within a few hours he was back to his rough and tumble self. Thanks go to Grammy for watching Spencer and Emma so Adam and I could be with John. 

If you look closely, you can see the loop of tube that will remain in place for six months. John's eye has never been clearer. No more goopy eye! We are thrilled that the procedure was successful. 

Not to be left behind, Spencer had a run-in on the playground right before we were headed to Williamsburg for a family vacation. Turns out a park maze is not the best place to play tag. Two heads collided when they came in contact around a blind corner, and Spencer walked away with a split cheek and a black eye. 

He was a champ. No tears, and he never complained about the swelling that showed up the next morning, although he was protective of the injured side of his face. Spencer has had his fare share of stitches (split chin, split eyebrow, gash above the eyebrow), so we were glad that this injury was pretty minor.

While in Williamsburg, Emma took a fall that left her leg with a large scrape. No pictures to document because she becomes very sensitive about anyone looking at her injuries. One good thing has come of this; we have had a lot of opportunity to talk about how wonderful it is that the bodies Heavenly Father gave us know how to heal. I explained to her the role of white blood cells and platelets, and she has come up with a coping conversation for any time she gets hurt. We talk about the "little doctors" coming to the rescue anytime our bodies get hurt. She likes to add that they are carrying their "suitcases" with all the necessary medical supplies. It's a humorous image and has brought her from hysteria at the sight of the slightest dot of blood to laughter while talking about the "little doctors with their suitcases." Major parenting victory.

Back to School

The school season is upon us. After several trips to local stores to find shoes, a few new clothes, and school supplies for my two elementary age kiddos, we felt prepared for a new school year to begin. To celebrate, I let the kids select the menu for a special back-to-school dinner, which we held the Saturday before school started so as to enjoy a leisurely evening on the occasion. The kids decided on crepes, though it was a tough to choose between that and macaroni salad. (We decided to have Great Gma Marie's macaroni salad for dinner earlier in the week so we didn't have to miss out.) Emma and John helped me make the crepes, which we filled with blackberry pie filling, lemon juice, lime juice, "snow" (powdered sugar), cinnamon sugar (which Em made herself), bananas, strawberries, and whipped cream. It was a feast!

Here are the kids holding the letter that announce which teachers they have this year. Both Spencer and Emma have FANTASTIC teachers, and we are really happy for them. The letters come just days before school starts, so we have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of these particular envelopes. Not to be left out, John is showing off a letter from our health insurance company. 

Here are Spencer and Emma at the open house, where they got to meet their teachers and find their desks the Friday before school began. Spencer has Mrs. S this year, and Emma has Mrs. F. Both come highly recommended by neighbors and friends. Emma particularly loves Rascal the Raccoon, who is Mrs. F's stuffed animal class pet. At the open house, she had to find where Rascal hangs his tiny backpack and search to find his computer and little wooden chair. Spencer had a scavenger hunt in his classroom too. His teacher asked if he liked to read since Spencer was turning in his summer reading log (1,000 pages was the goal, which he reached by July). He responded in the affirmative, and she said, "I know we're going to get along, then, because I LOVE to read." 

The night before school, Spencer was too excited to sleep. He showed NO nervousness. Quite impressive. Adam was remarking how different Spencer's experience and attitude are from his own at that age. To be fair, when Adam was starting second grade, he had just moved to a new country and, with it, a new school. Spencer was quick to get up the first day, which is good because his bus comes EARLY. We have a deal that he will wear a collared shirt on the first day of school and on picture day. By day two, he was wearing his new Ninjago Lego t-shirt. Fine by me. The side-parted hair is all Spencer. I think it's really cute that this is his go-to hairstyle when he wants to look nice. He told me he was going to mess it up right after pictures. He's one handsome, somewhat toothless Second Grader.

 Emma didn't have any trouble going to sleep the night before school, but come 4:00AM she was WIDE awake, too excited to go back to sleep. I've never seen a girl more ready to go to kindergarten. She finally fell back asleep at 5:00, and I tried hard not to wake her when it was time to get Spencer up, but the moment she heard me stir, she was up and dressed so she could walk Spencer to the bus. She had unbraided her hair for the desired crimped look and had her new shoes and backpack on for a morning photo session. She is one beautiful young lady.

My two elementary schoolers.

After we saw Spencer off, Emma wanted to do a little photo shoot. John was still sleeping, so we had plenty of time on our hands. I followed Emma around the house taking pictures in all her desired locations. She was eating it up. 

"Cheese!"

Emma is in afternoon kindergarten, and the morning has never felt so long. Every few minutes she would inquire if it was time to go. We took our lunch outside to have a picnic so we could pass some of the time. Afterward, John wanted to join in for a second photo session. Of course, he had to get his backpack too so he could be official. He has taken his backpack with us every time we go out to meet the bus. Pretty darling!

John really looks up to his older siblings. He does what they do. It's a good thing they are such great kids. 

One kindergartner, ready to go. One little brother, in training. 

Just cuteness. Had to be included on the blog. This was one of the many poses they came up with. Others involve trees, the mailbox, and the fire hydrant.

Our sweet neighbors from up the street came down to see Emma off to school. She is the only person on our street to have afternoon kindergarten since B (in the picture with his Aunt Vivian) was mistakenly assigned to a morning class. We were happy to pass the time with friends while waiting for the bus. Adam is taking the picture, but it's totally worth a mention that it is SO awesome to have a hubby who works from home who can step out to see the kids off to and home from their first day of school.

Here's our Lovie getting on the bus. She was all smiles, no reservation about the adventure that lay ahead of her.

That leaves John and his mama at home to pass the afternoons together. He is feeling the absence of his favorite playmates something fierce but finds consolation in lots of book time on Mama's lap. We've also been playing Legos, "wee-ooos," and choo-choos. Fortunately, this handsome little man also takes a hefty afternoon nap and by the time he awakes his school-attending pals are back, often with a friend in tow. Nothing makes this boy happier than to play with Spencer, Emma, and friends.

April 2012: Animal Kingdom

We closed our Disney week with what was my first (Adam's second) trip to Animal Kingdom. Since Adam had previously spent only a half day at this park, there was much to discover together. Here is our cute little family in front of the park. The two stroller system was quite marvelous. Our trusty Graco on the left has been around since Spencer was born. Many times during the week (and on other family adventures) it bore two children, sometimes both riding in the seat, other times a child perched atop the handlebar. It's a great, sturdy stroller and pushes easily despite our exceeding whatever load limits exist. The other one folds compactly but still holds a boatload of stuff below (unlike the traditional umbrella stroller). We were so happy to have these two strollers amongst our luggage; so were the kiddos and all those who stowed bags in the shade of the strollers' umbrellas while we were on various rides. 

Our first ride of the day was the Safari. We had heard that the animals are liveliest in the morning. The lion was perched in regal stature atop what Uncle Dan informed us is an air-conditioned rock. I think I would hang out there all day too, if I were the lion. The giraffes crossed in front of and round about our vehicle - closest I've ever been to such a large animal, and it was nothing short of majestic. 

The Tree of Life.

I loved these Tibetan prayer flags that were strung near the park's Mt. Everest. It made for such a pretty scene. This was my favorite area in the park.

Here are Emma, Uncle Dan, and Papa waiting to get on the Everest Expedition. Little did we know this would become Emma's hands down FAVORITE roller coaster. If memory serves, I believe she rode this one 4 times. 

Another group of Everest adventurers. From L to R: Trina, Sarah, Grammy, Celeste. 

The boys going for a Primeval Whirl.

Towards the end of the day, we discovered the dinosaur playground. My kids could have spent ALL day there.

In fact, once we let them into the play area, they passed the remainder of the evening there. Papa watched our cute little munchkins dig for dinosaur bones while Adam and I went on one last Dinosaur ride, which he had missed out on earlier the day. After that, we snuck in one last ride (or two) on Everest. It was a great way to close out a fantastic week. 

Kilimanjaro Safari - A great way to start our day. The animals were on the move, and the line was minimal. Even though it is a theme park ride, it had an authentic feel since the animals were moving freely along the road our jeep was using. 

Wildlife Express Train - A bit of a mistake. I'm not sure where we thought this was taking us, but we ended up dead-ending at the Conservation Station.

Conservation Station - After we spent a few minutes exploring the exhibits here and petting the bunnies and snakes, we were back to the main attractions. 

Expedition Everest - Hands down FAVORITE coaster. Love going backwards. 

Finding Nemo Musical - BEST show we saw. We had phenomenal seats, too. The puppeteer/actors were very engaging, had amazing voices, and the staging of the show was so clever. 

Kali River Rapids - Uncle Dan has a pretty awesome video of what went down on this ride. I was getting more fast passes to Everest with John for company while the majority of our group rode this. When we met back up and I was to take a turn, I was sure to wear my poncho since Sarah and Celeste were soaked!

Dinosaur - Sort of terrifying. There is one point where the T. Rex looks like it is going to eat the riders, and of course that is when they snap the photo that you look for as you exit the ride. I had picture proof of my motherly instincts since in the photo I have pushed Spencer's head down into the jeep and am covering him with my body. Nobody messes with this mama's cubs!

Festival of the Lion King - A fun, colorful show. This movie had some of the best music of any Disney film, and I never tire of hearing it.

It's Tough to be a Bug (3D) - This one TERRIFIED Emma. Note to self: put young daughters on laps before scary grasshoppers come out and bugs try to run under your seats. Apparently my sister Michelle had a similar response when the fam went many years ago.

Primeval Whirl - This was a fun mix between a carnival ride and a roller coaster. It was twisty and fun. At the end of the day, some of our group rode this time and time again.

Triceratop Spin - Adam took John and Emma on this ride (similar to Dumbo) while the rest of us were on the Primeval Whirl.

The Boneyard - The kids closed out the day digging for dinosaur bones in pebbly sand and running up and down the attached playground to explore all of the slides and passageways. This was a GREAT place for kids. 

And that, friends, brings us to the close of the Disney recap. 

It's been a fun walk down memory lane. 

April 2012: Magic Kingdom Part 2

Thursday, while the Cummings fam passed the day having a Hogwarts adventure, we headed back for some more fun at the Magic Kingdom. We opted for a very leisurely pace, taking time for lots of pictures with characters. Goofy was waiting for us at the town square on Main Street.

Emma is quick to spot any and every Minnie and asked for a photo to be taken with this lovely specimen. 

We made time to meet the real Mickey and Minnie too. (Hurrah for fast passes!) As we approached, John was a bit nervous; Spencer was pretty chill; Emma was all excitement. She loved that Minnie pantomimed to show that they were wearing the same type of dress. Mickey and Minnie really took their time with our little group, making each of the kids feel really special. They loved getting the autographs, and John even warmed up enough to give Mickey a high five at the end. 

We had explained to the kids that our trip to Disney World was the birthday gift to our entire family this year. That also meant that Spencer and Emma got to pick out souvenirs to be opened on their birthday. (Don't worry...John had other gifts). Emma opted for matching Minnie and Mickey dolls. Spencer chose to make his own light saber at Hollywood Studios. Kicking myself that I didn't have my phone with me to take pictures. It was pretty awesome. He ended up with a double-sided purple light saber. 

No leisurely day in the Magic Kingdom would be complete without visiting some Disney princesses and procuring their fancy signatures. There is a lovely little studio set up where Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora greet their waiting guests. Each has pleasant points of conversation. Cinderella asked Emma if she could hear better with her mouse ears on because Jacque and Gus tell her that they can hear really well with their mouse ears. 

Here's a family photo with Belle.

John charmed a smooch from Princess Aurora, the outline of which he wore proudly on his cheek until his face got wiped down after lunch. 

*Magical Disney moment: There was a sweet little girl with some severe handicaps in line ahead of us. Her leg was in a cast of sorts with pins protruding out of it. Her sweet little face had some irregularities, but when she approached the first princess with the help of her mom, her face lit up into a HUGE smile. I was tearing up watching the scene unfold. 

For lunch we met up with Harley Wentzel, who served in Adam's same mission. Adam and Harley were never companions, but they shared an apartment and had a great time together. Harley now works for Disney (under the carousel, actually), so he popped up to pass an hour with us on his lunch break. 

The rest of the day, we spent exploring the low-key aspects of the park. Here are a few photos of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house. We had the kids watch the movie on the way down so they could be properly impressed. 

Adam and the kiddos.

Climbing up the treehouse...with pizzazz, if you're Emma. 

We also watched the afternoon stage show that is performed in front of the castle. I jerry-rigged some shade for our group by putting a tarp between our two strollers so the heat was bearable, and the kids really enjoyed the show. Afterwards, we snapped this classic family photo.

Emma on the Carousel.

Try as they might, Spencer and Emma just couldn't get that sword in the stone to budge. 

Spencer gave it all he had, since Adam told him whoever gets the sword out becomes king of Disney World. Strong incentive!

Other Rides we Enjoyed During our Day of Leisure:

Jungle Cruise - again, this time with an awake John.

Boat Driving - this little game is found right by Jungle Cruise. S and E both loved to drive the boats, hard to remember to take turns, though.

Goofy's Barnstormer - cute roller coaster; S and E rode it twice, once with each parent.

Frontierland Arcade - Adam is sure never to miss the Frontierland Arcade, and the kids love it too!

Prince Charming Regal Carousel - John surprised me by loving the up and down of being on a carousel horse...once he got over the actual process of getting on the horse, which was a little unnerving. 

Swiss Family Treehouse - A classic favorite.

Walt Disney Railroad - A fun way to get across the park, and a throwback to Disney's love of railroads. 

Murals under Cinderella's Castle - I didn't know these existed, but we had fun looking at them when we explored the underside of Cinderella's Castle. Emma kept asking where the other princesses sleep at night. She was especially worried about Sleeping Beauty whose castle is in Disneyland. Hopefully, Cinderella is nice enough to put all those princesses up for the evening during their stay at Disney World.