Thank goodness for a pool

The kids are melting in the heat so Matt set up our inflatable pool. Ah, that's better. Now if they would learn to not splash each other!

And yes, the boys are wearing their underwear in the pool.  It was easier since they are working on potty training (thankfully made great progress, finally!!) and it was easier than swim shorts.  At least they had something on!

Some Rufus love!

Anna and Mason were giving Rufus some love tonight.  I am not sure how he felt about it though.  What do you think those eyes are saying?  

A day at the zoo!

We wrapped up a week of vacation with a visit to a local zoo.  It was our first real trip out of the house after a week of potty training for the boys.  It went very well!  

Olivier and Anna (just barely!) saying cheese!

 And checking out the tiger!

 A better view of the tiger, and yes, it is really that close!

 Mason taking his turn saying cheese!  :-)

 And I had to share this, Olivier was wearing his Lightning McQueen hat and when he looked down it looked funny in the cutout.

 And they tried to pet a duck at the lake.  They couldn't figure out why the ducks wouldn't come over to be pet.

Happy Father's Day with the Arnold Cousins!

All in one spot! Of course it was because of a movie but still surprising!!

Happy Father's Day

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up,brushes you off, and lets you try again. 

A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. 

A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail...

Swimming lessons are here again!

This week the kids started swimming lessons again.  It has made for busy days but at least this year we aren't moving in the middle of it!  And we don't need to be in the pool with them during lessons.  

Anna wasn't so sure abou the first day but warmed up quickly.  

 On the third day she started in the big pool which is exciting, but also much colder!

 Mason working with his instructor on kicking.

And here are a bunch of little videos, starting with Anna practicing blowing bubbles and kicking.

Olivier swimming with his teacher.  

Mason swimming with his teacher.

Olivier more than happy to jump in!  

Jumping into the pit

The boys love jumping into the pit during gymnastics; can you tell?  

Unofficial end of "preschool" for Anna

Anna is getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall!  Hard to imagine it is almost here!  Many of her class mates follow the school year (their parents are either students or staff/faculty at the university who only work during the regular school year) and so they did a little presentation of participation awards.  We were not able to attend but have gotten some photos from those who did and one of the parents made a video of all the kids receiving their awards.  Very sweet!  

She will still be there for the rest of the summer but I think she is starting to get very excited for kindergarten now!

They got their participation awards in diploma holders!  Kinda cool!  

Inside had a photo of the two year project (that will likely continue in Room 7 next school year).  They made a rain forest full of animals, waterfalls, trees, oh the list goes on!  They are very proud of it and they have learned a lot in the process!  

And here is Anna's participation award!  

And here are a couple of clips from the video of all the kids receiving their awards.  Very sweet!