Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming

With a record breaking 55 days over 100 degrees, we swam and swam and swam.

This is our summer in a nut shell. We went to swim lessons, then we went to the pool.

Splashtown with daddy, though I think he was sick that day (just in case someone from the office is reading).

We swam so much, Olivia wore her goggles to bed.

Olivia and her friend Olivia even had to play "Tea Party" in the pool.

Teaching a Five Year Old Manners?!?

I am trying to teach Luke to be a polite child. He is a very happy boy and gets very excited to talk to people. I love his enthusiasm but his execution isn't always very polite but we are getting there. The other day we were in Lowe's picking up some brackets to mount some shelves in his closet, which by the way I did all by myself. Anyway, as we were leaving the store, Luke said, "Mom, that lady(referring to the cashier) was really fat, but I'm not allowed to say it." Baby steps in the right direction. Then, yesterday we were out riding bikes and he saw a man out walking and he said, "Hello there old man, how's it going?" At least he is still cute.

Hiking in Utah

My mom and I took the kids hiking to Stewart Falls. We thought it would be fun to start at Sundance and ride the tram to the top of the mountain and hike down to the falls. My kids loved riding the tram. I tried to explain the idea of skiing to them but they didn't get it.

The mountains up Provo Canyon are so beautiful. I miss them so much. If Texas had mountains like this, I would never want to leave.

My kids are getting to be pretty good hikers. Though we chose a trail that proved to be quite difficult. There were some very steep downhill slopes with loose gravel that the kids needed help getting down. I hope we didn't break grandma's back.

My mom is the greatest grandma. My kids love her so much. To them she is better than Santa. Thanks mom.

Summer Fun June 2009

San Antonio Missions
Mormon night at the San Antonio Missions. They reserved a section for church members and we got in for a discounted rate. The kids were hot and tired, I was talking to everyone I knew and Mark was well, watching the game. Maybe in a few years the kids will enjoy it more.

Witte Museum

The Amazing Marko on the tight rope. Oh, the many hidden talents. Mark came with us to the Witte Museum one Saturday. There is actually a counter balance on the bottom, but he still looks pretty amazing.
The Witte Museum is always fun. Mark is proud of Luke turning the water thingy. I can never remember what it is called. The Archemedies Screw? OK I know I spelled it wrong. That is why I'm not an engineer.
This mat at the museum had moving lights that played different games like dodge ball and jump rope. A great way to tire out the kids.

ArtWorks

ArtWorks studio for the open play time. We made paper mache masks, tie dye, paint spinners, paint rubbings, stamps and a few other things I can't remember. The kids had a blast and my house stayed clean. Well worth the $5.

Just My Luck

Here I am spending time with my whole family in Utah. At times there at 23+ staying at my moms house. A non-stop party. Avoiding the Texas heat. And, my camera battery died. So anyway. We are having a great time. Olivia is having a ball with her "girl cousins" Courtney and Valerie. We miss Mark and our friends but we are very happy to be in cooler weather. Hopefully everyone else is taking enough pictures that I can steel a few.

Swim Lessons

It's HOT. It's summer. And that means it is time for swim lessons. I think that every kid in South Texas needs to know how to swim. Luke and Olivia are in the same class with three other kids. Their teacher's name is Dana. Which is easy to remember because last year Luke's preschool teacher was named Mrs. Dana.

Luke is very brave for his first swim lessons and always wants to be the first one to try.

Olivia is a little more timid but has great form. She will be swimming like a mermaid in no time.

Preschool Graduation

Luke receiving his "diploma" from his teacher, Mrs. Dana. During graduation practice, Luke instisted on being called Luke Thomas Hill. Where does he come up with this stuff?

After a short program, each child passed through the "Candy Land Express" set up across the stage. Then, ended at Kindergarten Castle where they received their "diplomas".

Luke is in the back on the right. The kid in front of him was bouncing around so much I could never get a good picture of Luke.

Luke's first girlfriend, Halle Walker. She is such a cutie. Her grandpa would tell me every morning that Halle would talk about him nonstop and she would be very sad if Luke wasn't at preschool. I can't say I blame her. He is a charmer.