End of Summer

The littles are trying to hold on tight to the last dredges of summertime fun.

This season a lovely neighbor with a pool has let us swim everyday, everyday. Goodness, what an incredible sharing of her blessings! Thus, everyday (well, almost) we jaunt on over to her oasis and swim, swim, swim. Little ones who started off the season terrified of the water now glide back forth with ease and confidence.

In June, Dominic would run and hide from me and my nasty swim lessons. Now he and Taley, his very best friend and cohort in all two-year-old pranks, swim and giggle and swim some more.

So, did I tell you the one about the mom with six kids?

Xavier is generally content to dabble in the brisk water. His favorite play is to lean over the edge and dunk his head in just far enough to snort up a nose full of water. Now this is not my idea of good times, but he finds it quite engaging. 

Since the water is cool, everyone brings along their boards for play above the water. Races and balance contests are preferred to Marco Polo and general rough housing. The loser ends up in the water.

Ta-Da!

Leaping up onto the board: I dare you to try it!

Quinton perfected his dive.

Did I say that the water was cool? Okay, maybe suck-the breath-out-of-your-body cold is a better description. Gracie definitely agrees with me!

These are the towel monsters that inhabit the deck after every swim.

Autumn begins Thursday. We bid summer a fond farewell.

Not Quite Seven Quick Takes

1. Dominic managed to slap himself in the face with a yellow jacket. The yellow jacket felt that this was very unfriendly and thus retaliated. Dominic lost the battle.

2. Little Quote

Me, last Thursday: "Dominic, do you have to go potty?"

Dominic, while dancing around: "No, I just went on Tuesday!!"

3. Blaise is tall and skinny. Hmm, he must be a Dubay!

4. Xavier is threatening to walk. I just wish he would threaten us with sleeping though the night. Yawn.

5. Thus, the not quite Seven Quick Takes.

Hosted by Jen @ Conversion Diary

Happy 12th Birthday Olivia!

My beautiful Olivia is growing up. 

Our gift to her was braces the day before her birthday. While she did not think this was best gift ever, I know she will appreciate it at 18.  Oh, I can't even think about 18. Sometimes I wish that I could travel back to 6 when she was that sweet little girl sitting in the window watching Goofy dance and the waves roll by as we tucked into to breakfast on the Disney Cruise.

Happy Birthday My Love

First Day of School 2010

The night before is always a rush. The children are excited and I am hoping and praying that the first day of school can live up to their expectations. The morning always unfolds in a predictably unpredictable pattern: I make plans and they reinterpret them. 

My Plans

Dominic: 2.5 years old
Preschooler in Training

This year everyone wanted to carry a bag. Why? Hmm, good question since the school room is next to the kitchen. None the less, it was the accessory of choice. Gracie wore a backpack, into which she packed all the necessities of kindergarten, and Dominic hauled around Collete's preschool bag. Even the big kids pulled out their old bags. All of which made me smile.

Grace: 5 years old
Kindergartner

Collette: 7 years old
Second Grade

Quinton: 10 years old
Fifth Grade

Olivia: almost 12
Seventh Grade

They even lined up. Okay, truth be told, the little ones lined up but I thought they looked so cute that I asked the big ones to join. They sweetly complied. Xavier is with his "lala mama" up front and Dominic is bringing up the rear with excited energy.

Soon the school room is humming. Every year the children draw a self portrait on the first day of school. They eagerly look forward to this tradition. Children create, babies dismantle, and Mama signs with contentment. Life is good. I must remember.