Katelyn the storyteller

Look what they can do!

Here are a few video's of Katelyn and Adelyn in the water. Katelyn is becoming a little fish, although she can't get her head above water without help or the wall. She loves to be in the water and asks to go swimming every day!

Adelyn saw Katelyn jumping off the side a few days ago and really seemed to want to try it herself. I was curious what she would do, so I let her sit on the side and slide off. She did great! When she came out of the water she grinned then turned around and reached for the wall so she could do it again!

Here is one last video of Adelyn sliding off the edge, then Katelyn showing off her skills in the shallow pool. Enjoy!

Katelyn's swimming lessons

The first 2 weeks of June Katelyn had her 1st swimming lessons.  She had 8 lessons, each lasting 30 minutes.  She would start out the lesson tilting her head to each side putting her ears under water.  She would then put her whole head under water.  Then the teacher would have them do things like dive for rings, practice floating on their backs, and kicking while holding on to the side of the pool. 

The lessons had one teacher and two kids.  While the teacher would take one kid out to practice a certain technique, she would have the other kid sit on the side.  I was so proud of Katelyn for obeying her teacher!  (let's just say the other girl in her group wasn't as well behaved) :)

Here is Katelyn practicing with her kick board. 

Then of course they finished each lesson with a few trips down the slide.  This was Katelyn's favorite part of each lesson! 

While I didn't think Katelyn gained all that much out of swimming lessons, I think I gained more just by watching.  I am very timid around water with the girls, but seeing what she can do and more importantly what a few of the older kids were doing, I have been able to give Katelyn my own swimming lessons each time we go to the neighborhood pool.  It has actually been amazing to see how far she has come in the last few weeks...  I'm also so impressed with Adelyn- you'll have to wait to see a video of what they can both do...

Speaking of Adelyn- she and I sat and watched Katelyn during her swimming lessons each day.  I was worried that 30 minutes of sitting out in the heat wouldn't be fun for Adelyn, however, she sat happily and read books, played with me, watched Katelyn and played with toys.  Sweet girl! 

Happy Fathers Day!

What a blessing my father is to me!  I don't think I can find the words to say how thankful I am for what a special dad I have.  He has taught me so much throughout my life and has always shown me unconditional love.  I love seeing him now as a "Bubba" with Katelyn and Adelyn.  They adore him and they have such a special relationship.  Thanks Daddy for being you! 

When Jared and I were first married we went through a class at church called Soul Mates.  It was a 13 week course that talked about all the challenges you would face as newlyweds.  One of them was all about in-laws.  I remember sitting around the table hearing all the other couples go on-and-on about their in-laws and how bad their relationship was.  All I could think was, "thank you Lord for blessing me with my in-laws!"  That was 7 years ago and I still feel the same.  Such a blessing to me, Jared, Katelyn and Adelyn!  Thanks for being a great PawPaw!

Oh and where to start with Jared.  He is an amazing father!  He is always doing what is best for Katelyn and Adelyn, even when that means he has to sacrifice his own wants or needs.  He is so loving, selfless, and a great leader for the girls!  He makes them laugh, keeps them in line, and provides for their needs.  Thank you Lord for Jared and for what a great daddy he is.

Speaking of Jared, Katelyn was able to pick out a fathers day gift for him.  As we walked through Academy she decided on this water gun....  I knew I was going to regret this decision...

Last night when I went into the bathroom to get ready for bed, it was an all out water attack by Jared on me!  As I stood there- drenched, he just laughed... Okay, I laughed too, but seriously, who plays with water guns indoors?

Mavs Weekend 2011

Each year we go with our best friends, Ben and Ashlee Johnson, to see a Mavs game.  This year we weren't able to make it for a regular season game, but then when they made the playoffs we made a bold decision- to wait until the finals to go see them play.  It paid off, they made the finals and we went to see game 5 in Dallas at the American Airlines Center.  Here we are in our hotel room taking a mirror picture before leaving for the walk to the AAC.

The doors opened at 6:00, so you know we where there waiting in line when they opened!

I think they best word to describe how we were all feeling about being at the NBA finals game was was GIDDY!!!

Can...

You...

Tell???

The game was amazing!  The Mavs won by around 10 points and that put them up 3-2 in the series (they won the Championship the next game in Miami).

Of course the weekend can't be complete without some yummy food, good chats and lots of laughs- which we had plenty of each!  We are so thankful for our sweet, faithful friends and loved each second of our Mavs weekend with them!

Camping trip 2011

The last weekend in May we planned a camping trip with our sweet friends the Crows and the Garners.  We had a great (hot) time!  I am more of a RV-type camper, so this was a relatively new experience for me.  Katelyn as never been camping, so it was all new to her and Adelyn has only been RV camping once and she was only a few months old at the time.  Here is the camp site all set up.

We didn't have bowls so the washed fruit was put into a skillet- I found that a little funny...

Tracy was cooking the hot dogs and ummm... it was hot!  I think the look on her face explains that really well!

Here is Fielding cooling off in the pool- no, wait- no water in the pool.... 

Here are Katelyn and Adelyn playing with an empty pool, some bubbles and dirt- nothing better! 

We went for a hike the first night, here is Katelyn working her way up the rock.

They had a small body of water (supposed to be a mini-waterfall, but no rain=no waterfall).  The kids didn't mind, they had a great time splashing around fully clothed!

Here is a great family picture of Chet, Laura, Fielding and Wren.  Why didn't I get a family picture of Travis, Tracy and Tanner???

Katelyn and Jared hanging out before she went to bed.  Speaking of going to bed, when she did go to bed, she laid in the tent for a good hour or two playing with her flashlight and reading books.

In the morning we tried to get a group picture of all the kids, here is the best we could get!

And sweet Katelyn and Adelyn!

We had a fun time camping, although next time I will be sure to plan it in March or April!  The best part was spending it with two families who love the Lord and challenge us to draw closer to Jesus. 

Adelyn- 15 months old

Oh dear- Mommy may cry typing this post.  I can't believe you are already 15 months old.  A true blessing and joy, that is what you are sweetness!  We had a great month; you have grown, changed, and been as sweet as ever.  We went camping this month and even though you were hot, sweaty, and were running a fever, you still did great.  We slept in a tent and you would wake ever so often and fuss a minute then go right back to sleep.  Here you are playing with the camping cooking equipment.

We went for a hike the first night we were there.  You were happy as could be just being carried around in the carrier (although I think you are getting too big for it based on this picture).

Katelyn had swimming lessons this month so you and Mommy got some good quality play time while waiting for Katelyn.  The lessons were 30 minutes long and you would just sit, play, read, watch happily the whole time.  Here you are with an empty animal cracker jar.  You played with it for a good 15 minutes each day!

Here it is again, this time with sippy cup inside..

You had your first finger painting experience this month too.  Honestly, you didn't care about getting paint on any of the paper, you just liked rubbing your hands in the paint on the plate.

We said good-bye to the highchair this month.  You are now in a booster seat and you do great (except you enjoy throwing food on the floor when you are bored or finished)

You LOVE, and I do mean LOVE, to read or be read to.  You have your favorite books, but if those aren't handy, then any book will do. 

Speaking of reading- One morning Katelyn decided to read a book to you.  Here is the play-by-play:

Katelyn: "Adelyn, come here, I'm going to read a book to you."

You begin to make your way over to her...

Katelyn "Adelyn, sit down so I can read to you."

You sit...

I loved watching you two interact like this... So glad I caught it on camera, but it was even sweeter in person!

This week we are at VBS all morning.  You are completely exhausted by the time we get to the car.  So far you have fallen asleep in about 30 seconds and then about 5 minutes. 

You have started to really understand what it is we are asking and you are generally very compliant.  When I change my tone you are very aware that Mommy means business.  You cling to Mommy some, but it isn't 24/7.  You are usually pretty happy when dropped off in the nursery.  You eat pretty much whatever is served and usually pretty fast, just like your Daddy!  You communicate well, but it's more pointing and sounds than words typically.  Although, you do use some words, I don't think you say any new ones since last month.   

Sweet girl, you are so precious to us and we are so thankful for you!