So funny, so exciting!

Last week I had the pleasure of watching a bunch of 4-5 year-olds 

"play" basketball, including warm-ups, a dribbling game, and some shooting.

While Owen was in class, Gabby busied herself with my phone...

so busy...

What kinds of things will she know and be able to do 

that I never did at her tender age?

 I don't think it matters whether or not if your kid is in the class or on the t-ball team

because it is entertaining to watch such innocence and pure love of just having fun.

Owen is eager and loves his little classes.

I don't know why I taped them running the whole lap around the gym,

but I sure am glad I did.  

Watch the kid in yellow...

did you watch the whole thing?

Then laugh and watch it again???  :-)

I have...watched it and laughed a few times!

I'm sorry Owen, but I so love your eagerness!

 Guess Gabby will never be bored...

These would be her brothers sweatpants on her head...

Gramma and Grampa made another trip up to celebrate my birthday

and to celebrate Owen passing level 2 swimming lessons!

I got tile laid for my birthday and Owen got chocolate brownies.

Good times.

 

 We took them swimming so Owen could show them what he can do.

 Owen was even so brave to take on the slide for the first time!

He loved it and wanted to go again and again and again.

So proud.

 

 There are mandatory "safety" breaks so we had to sit out for a bit.

Owen was disappointed because he had to get off the slide.

But when it was time, he was back at it.

 

 

Gabby blew some bubbles.  Got to start with small goals.

Achievable.  :-)

 and chew on toys...

"I go pee in the water."

Grampa says, "what did she say?!"

No matter.  Cuddles will never be denied.

I think we effectively wore them out...kids and grammas and grampas!

Swimming!

I'm proud...so proud!

Gabby has begun swimming lessons and did a "bob" today!

Okay, so the teacher was the one who "bobbed" her, but she still did it!

We've got to start somewhere!

 Toys help...good distraction!

 She tests the waters and trusts completely.

Today she ran...or waddled quite quickly...to her teacher.

I smiled.

And then there's Owen.

I was not sure how long he would have to work on this glide and float thing, which I think is harder than actually gliding and kicking!

\But, today, he passed level 2!

 

He got to ring the gong and move to Level 3.

He now gets to work on gliding and kicking, which I think he'll pass next week!

I smile.

So proud now.

(Get this mental picture:  when I saw he was doing it all by himself and that he was going to pass, I smacked Roger on the arm and said, quite loudly, "He did it!  Holy Cow!")

I think about the journey it's been...

Owen...does he look like he's enjoying himself?????

So proud.

Owen...9 months in Florida...having fun????

My kid.  The one who freaked out last summer and cried when I said it was time for Swimming lessons--you see, his teacher, "made [him] get his face wet!".  The one who would not let me hold him in the water since he was one because he was afraid I would go to the deep end.  He was afraid I would drop him or something.  I tell ya, I am so excited... and proud that my boy can swim.  Not so confidently as to go to the real deep end, but still, gliding and kicking is a long way from his spazzing when he got splashed or a cup poured over him in teh bath!  :-)

Owen with Gramma Momma the week Gabby was born.

I smile.

Owen and Gabby...was this post bath?  no wet hair? hmmm

 This was one lesson I had to learn about how I am not in control.

I have religiously made water not a big deal and tried to make it a pleasant experience.

I took him swimming from the time he was old enough to go to the public pool with me.

I held him and was patient.

He got a bit braver every year...

the sprinkler even became fun last summer...

I did not punish him or shame him when he did not want to go under or get his face wet.

I am a fish.  I don't remember not loving the water.

These years with Owen were tough on me.

What a big boy!

But I also am a believer that being safe and confident in the water is a life skill.

It's not a contest.

It's not by my doing but my persistence.

I would not give up.

I would not let him give up.

I refused to say, "Oh, he doesn't like it so I won't make him."

This is a boy who sets his mind to something then does it... he cut his own hair right before Christmas!

I was gentle.  I was patient. 

I am not in control of every choice.

What else will I want so badly for my children that I cannot make them want for themselves?

How much can a razor fix???

 What will he do or not want to do????

Tomorrow?

next year?

Middle school?

college?

jobs?

marriage?

house?

I know parents all have expectations and dreams and wishes...

What will I tell myself in 20 years?

What will I wish I told myself 20 years ago?

Only God knows.

Good thing God is good!

Always good...

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...'" Jeremiah 29:11

Christmas memories...

The pictures tell who and where and the order tells when...

What else is there to say?

Owen gave Poppa Steve a gift of...

Little pink baby socks!

wondering what to do with them...

Don't think they'll fit!

"Thanks anyway, Owen!"  :-)

Mae Mae can't get enough of these!

Then on to Wisconsin...

Santa had to come while the kids at lunch on Saturday 

because we would be leaving on Sunday 

and he'd be really confused where to leave the presents!

But Mimi still had time to wrap presents for all to open that night...

yes, we extend the occasion as long as we can! 

Gramma Momma was thankful because 

wraping, taping, and ribbon-ing was difficult for her this year.

Mario cooked us an amazing Mexican fiesta...

Rog helped with the tedious tamale-making process...

and really got into it!

The presents got under the tree and were guarded closely.

Xavi so wanted to play with the packages!

How could you not love this face?  That curl? Those eyes?

Mimi and Owen had tickle matches...well, actually, Owen just got tickled by Mimi.  

She even did some "chasing" around the house.  :-)

Uncle Rog!

Grampa made some home-made pies...and got some "help" too!

Auntie Emmy made some time to play Santa Claus too and wrap some presents.

Got it!  I got one shot of both kids in front of the tree...

Owen made a nice list ("nis")...

and a naughty list ("node")...

Got to love phonics!  :-)

I smile...

If only Gabby would poop on the potty...then we could sign her up for gymnastics!

 

Gramma Momma...what more could she ask for???

 What will Christmas be like next year???