sunny almost-summer days

Sitting in the sun by the pool, it is hard to remember that summer hasn't officially begun! It sure seems like it from out point of view. The kids are enjoying the pool, which is clear but still bracing, daily. Thomas has not, however, actually jumped off the diving board. That is still a few weeks off, judging from his initial attempts at swimming again: he needs a refresher course before he can perform the tricks he did so easily at the end of last summer.

Iain is less inclined toward the big pool. We have set up the small pool next to it, and he quite enjoys jumping in and going headfirst down the little slide. His greatest pleasure, unfortunately, is the 10-yard dash down the pool deck. Nineteen months old is apparently far too young to grasp the 'no running on the pool deck' rule. Also, he is still not able to remember the skinned-knee lesson. So, I repeat myself, and he keeps running. Eventually, we put him back in the little pool, or steer him to some other poolside activity.

Anna has returned to swimming much more quickly than Thomas, who was more proficient at the end of last summer. She still 'swims' with her head up and feet down (yes, it's a real dog-paddle!), but she is gaining confidence, and is much stronger than she was last summer. We hope that she will learn a proper swimming stroke this summer. In any case, she is sure to enjoy herself: she splashes in the small pool with Iain a bit, but spends most of her time in the big pool. By the time we finally coax her out, she's practically blue--but incredibly happy!

This summer will be busy: Anna and Thomas have a special three-week program at school, and then we have trips planned to the beach and to England. I know that the summer will fly by--but we plan to make the most of it!

summer days

So far, the pool remains fairly inhospitable. But we manage to keep busy in the backyard, anyway. The crisp days of early spring have succumbed to the sticky, buggy afternoons that characterize summer in the South. Thomas and I are constantly disagreeing, therefore, about whether it is a "nice" day to play outside. He can take whatever the outdoors can dish out--winter cold, damp mornings, high humidity--but his Southern-California bred mother is not so versatile! Nonetheless, he usually wins, and I grab a cold drink and go out.

summer begins

The last week of school was filled with activities: Thomas and Anna's classes had parties, and even Iain got in on the action!

resurfacing

On Monday, May 12th, 7 of the students in my intro to systematic theology class graduated. Tuesday, I finished grades for the rest of the class, and now I am catching up on everything else! I finished teaching and grading just in time: last night Anna and Thomas performed in their spring program at Coralwood. Thomas proved (once again) to be a natural performer. Anna, on the other hand, demonstrated her innate (and probably inherited) stage fright. She looked cute, but didn't participate much in the song and dance!

caught!

Thomas shares with most four-year-old boys (I assume) an uncontrollable impulse to jump: on the bed, off the bed, from the coffee table onto the couch, on the couch, and just about anywhere else that seems promising. Also like his peer group, falls and bumped heads (or knees) are of no use as a deterrent.

So, here he is, doing what he loves to do. Thank goodness the weather is turning, and we can spend more time outside. Less jumping, more bike riding: at least when he's on the bike, he wears his helmet!

Iain gets a duck

Just watch the video.

where's Iain?

The voice you hear is our practically-professional-photographer-babysitter, Catherine. Iain loves to play hide-and-seek (usually he wants me to hide) and peepo or peek-a-boo (depending on who his playmate is). Winter hasn't let go yet, but the days are more conducive for playing outside more frequently, and that's what the children all love to do. Lewis is already grilling, and wants to open the pool soon. First, however, he has to take down the Christmas lights!

Anna's big potty success this morning was doing the whole procedure on her own: Thomas came running down the hall enthusiastically shouting "Anna peed in the potty!" What an announcement! I can't count the number of times over the past 3 1/2 years that I have answered inquiries about potty training Anna with the remark that when Anna is ready, she'll do it. Not quickly, I am sure. But she's interested, she knows exactly what to do, and she can do it. Eventually we'll move from "training" to "trained"--in Anna's own time!