...Between summer trips...

Besides the last week of school and the New Hampshire trip, the only other thing we really did in June was swim lessons (2 weeks). Well, and a family hike.

This summer's a little crazy with our trips and church stuff and swim lessons, so we kept it local and did the Riverwalk downtown.

Swimming Lessons

Some of the kids took off and did great, learning enough so I feel confident with them swimming in the deep end with me watching (and not hovering over them constantly).

Some were more reluctant to get in...I got 2 days out of 8 with Alee. [sigh]

At least she finally let up her death grip on the swim instructor for her group and used the noodle.

Some were a little nervous about certain skills, great with others, and made good progress. 

(But she'll be taking another round of lessons with Alee -- when Alee is ready to cooperate in a couple years.)

Natalie and Alee were in the first level - Natalie because she was nervous about putting her head so far in the water and Alee because she was obstinate about getting into the pool with those strangers who told her what to do. (For Natalie, the swim cap helped a lot. Once Natalie's ear plugs stayed in, she would put her face in the water and progressed faster. For Alee, I bribed her with chocolate.)

And some have the confidence, but lack strength. Kaitlyn's the one I'll still have to keep a close eye on - she was in the most advanced group and had courage to try everything, but the instructor was constantly helping her when she ran out of energy mid-pool!

*Seth took swim lessons too (and was in the top level with his sisters), but he went to scout camp for 1 night and missed the last 2 days of swim lessons...which is when I finally thought to bring a camera.

Family Hike

Love the mural under the bridge!

Alee took this picture with Rob's phone. It smelled funny at this point on the Riverwalk. Like dead something in water...

Free Week
We just took it easy the week of the 4th (the week that ended in the 4th).
We went to the zoo; saw the flamingo baby.

.

We saw a rabbit in our front yard. (Actually, that was during swimming lessons week, but whatever.)

 We went to the park. I ran. jogged. (That would be the first time I exercised since school let out.)
If you're counting, don't worry - you didn't miss anything. I borrowed my niece for the day. :)

And some of the kids did a project. (Don't start thinking I'm unfair! Others are getting a turn too - I said "easy" this week - 5 projects in a week would not be taking it easy.) :)

I'm almost caught up! I got behind when life got overwhelming and I felt like I hadn't had a break - school ending was just a continuation of BUSY rather than a break from it. But that week after swim lessons gave me time to recover from BUSY. And then we went to the beach for part of the next week...next post...and we didn't rush around doing 5 things in a day. We relaxed. I'm glad there's still summer left to enjoy. I'm not done relaxing. :)