"Just Keep Swimming"

Trevor and Karmin took swim lessons for the last two weeks. Grant's nephew has been teaching lessons in their pool during the summers, so we finally had the opportunity to use him. It was great for me because Ben could swim too at the other end of the pool, and Lydia was entertained by sitting on the steps.
Trev has never had swim lessons before, so he took to it very quickly. He loves swimming under the water. By the last day, he was able to swim from one side of the pool to the other side (the short way). Karmin was the one that I wanted to learn to swim because she usually has no reservations around water. She is usually the first one in---a lot of times when she's not supposed to be in. I've had to go in water (fully clothed) after her 2 times. However, since we've been doing swim lessons, she has become very hesitant. For some reason she just didn't want to get too wet. But finally by the last day she would stay under water for 11 seconds. It finally clicked for her and she did it.
We are all sad that the lessons are over. The kids have loved it, and it has helped get some of their energy out. Both the kids were making so much progress. I really hope that they don't lose what they have gained. Thanks Kade and "MaKarmin" for your help!

Seattle

A couple of weeks ago, 2 of some of our favorite people (Todd and Heather) came here to visit their family. We planned on getting together with them, but their son got sick so we had to cancel. I was so bummed. Heather is great...Todd is too, but I love getting together with Heather. I could talk to her forever. Grant thinks Todd is great...and Heather too. They are the perfect couple for us...other than they live TOO far away. So we decided that since we couldn't see them for a decent amount of time while here, we would have to go see them.
So after Grant got home on Friday, we took off for their house. Heather and I stayed up late talking, while Grant and Todd were wise and went to sleep. We spent Saturday going to the Pacific Science Center. The kids all loved it. Even Lydia was fascinated with all the toys and water she got to play with. Then that night we put the kids to bed and watched the 2nd movie of Twilight (and I know, I might possibly get shunned for this that I don't even know the name of it--and I'm not even willing to look it up so I can properly report it in here. I've never read the books, and I haven't seen the 1st movie. I am one of those people who abandon their families and all responsibilities to finish a book, so I know that it is better for everybody if I don't read them). The movie was good. Todd and Heather did a great job catching me up. Heather and I started talking, so Todd went to bed, and Grant fell asleep (we crashed in their living room, so Grant couldn't really get away from us). We talked until it was late (at least it was late for me). I wish we had more time, or had not been so tired. I still don't feel like we got enough time to catch up.
After church on Sunday we headed back home. When we were about a half an hour away from home, Trevor said that he wanted to go back. I don't think either Grant or I had the stamina to make it back, but it sure would have been fun. We are ready for another trip over there! And proof that we really were there:

Picnic in the Park

Today we took the kids over to a new park. (New to us) We've enjoyed this nice weather because it has been perfect for these outings that we have been going on. We pack a picnic and have lots of fun spending time together.

Hot Rod Heart

Karmin got a new bike last week. She has had SO MUCH FUN with it. She goes out every morning to ride her bike, and then usually again several more times during the day. She loves her helmet, and is very good about putting it on each time she rides her bike. I'm still working with her to use her breaks. She is like her momma--she doesn't like to wear shoes, and so she tends not to wear them even when she rides bikes. Therefore, her bare feet become the breaks. I cringe every time I see this, so we are working on the breaks and making some progress. She is pretty cute.
Trevor was still on his very first bike, so we fixed Ben's old bike and added a cool bike bell and he loves it. The boys have started playing a game of cops and a person gets pulled over if they are going too fast. Trevor's bell is a great way to sound the sirens.

Our family Went Over the Mountain, To See What We Could See

We went up to Mt. Spokane this afternoon. Grant went up there a lot growing up. I had only been there one time, so it was an adventure to go again.
The kids and I all thought we were going to die as we drove up the mountain. I'm a bit hesitant with heights, and I think the kids inherited that gene from me. Once we got to the top and on firm ground, we had a lot of fun (except with all the bugs). It was amazingly beautiful up there. The kids liked the rocks and the lookouts. I was fascinated with the ski hills. None of us liked the bugs. But we did have a dinner picnic, took pictures, and explored quickly. The bugs had dinner on us, so we had to cut it a bit shorter than planned, but I'm glad we got to go.

15 Years

Grant and I were just listening to the boys play in their room. I was wondering what their relationship would be like in 15 years. Here they were: Ben was using toys as bombs to destroy things and Trevor was doing his evil laugh. They were giggling and having fun. This happens every night...and has for a couple of years. Sometimes it feels like it will be this way forever because it has been this way for so long. No matter what goes on during the day between them, once they go to bed they are as happy as can be with each other.
And then Grant pipes up by saying, "They could be married by then. Ben could have kids. We could be grandparents."
Thanks, Grant. You just made me feel VERY old. I'll try to enjoy the last few weeks of my 20's with that thought in the back of my head.

Freedom

Today at church a man who serves in the military got up and shared some thoughts about the freedoms that we enjoy in our country. Part of his responsibility is to go to the families of service men and women and tell the families that their son, daughter, husband, or wife has died in action. He told of 2 stories that have happened recently. He said that it is hard to go to these people's houses, tell them that their family member has died, and turn and walk away. He said that it is so hard to not tell them that it will be okay---they will see this person again. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have the knowledge that we do. I take so much comfort in knowing that death is not the end. And my heart breaks for those who don't know this--who don't know that they will see their loved ones again.
Now that the boys are getting older, they ask a lot more questions...some I wish they would ask Grant (like how babies come to be, but that's for another post). So we've been talking about Independence Day and why we have it and how we got it. Explaining it to the boys has made me feel deeper about our country. I am so thankful for all the people who have fought for our freedom, for our independence, and who are fighting for the independence of others. So many people have fought for us to be who we are, to make our own choices on how we want to live, and at times it feels like some people have forgotten how we've gotten here. I'm not trying to point fingers at any person or public figures, but I just hope and pray that our leaders of our country will not let all of that service and hard work (especially from those in the military) go to waste. To my Dad and Grant's Mom: Thank you--you each took part in helping our country preserve the freedoms that so many of us (me included) take for granted each day.

After church today, we went over to Gina and DeWayne's house for their annual 4th of July Celebration. It is always so much fun. They invite all of Grant's family, and their neighbors. We all look forward to it each year. Thanks for dinner Gina and DeWayne!!
It is so much fun to talk and hang out with everyone. The kids enjoyed it too. Ben and Trevor had fun. We didn't see them much--hence no pictures of them. Karmin LOVED playing with her 2 cousins that are the same age as her. And Lydia was happy being outside and almost stayed awake for the fireworks. What a fun holiday...and we still have tomorrow too! I'm so excited--have I mentioned that I'm glad it's a 3-day weekend?

The 3rd of July

I am so excited that it is a 3-day weekend! It means that the weekend could be split perfectly. One day for work, and one day for play (Sunday for church). Today was our play day. We went to my Dad's for their town's parade. I was so excited that it was on Saturday so we were able to go. The weather was colder than what we had planned, but the kids still had fun...and I think the adults did too. Karmin enjoyed the music and would shake her hips whenever she could. She loves to dance. Trevor didn't enjoy the loud noises, but they all enjoyed the candy.Then we headed over to the cabin for the rest of the day. The kids were so excited to go fishing. Grant took the kids out in the rowboat. (Brave man...3 kids, 1 adult, 3 fishing lines, all in a small boat.) Ben caught a fish not 2 minutes out (there is a fish there--I love Trev's expression!):
Karmin caught a fish somewhere along the way, but didn't realize it until they got back (again, there is a fish there):
The boys fished some more:
Karmin decided that she would brave the frigid waters and go swimming. Everyone else stayed intelligently out of the water, and tried to soak up any sun that would come out every now and then.
After dinner, the kids were down playing on the beach, and couldn't resist getting wet (even though they had no other dry clothes to wear). This was accompanied by a lot of giggles and smiles and resulted in a lot of shivering and fatigue, which was perfect for the (quiet) car ride home.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Lydia turned 1 today. We celebrated yesterday (since Grant only worked a half day). We went to the park, had an amazing dinner at home, and then cake. The kids loved the park--it was the first time they had been to this one. There is a pond with fish, so the kids enjoyed chasing the fish around. Lydia, our girl who doesn't care for sugar, actually enjoyed the cake. She was so dainty--just using her one finger to poke and lick, until eventually she got a few more fingers going. She is a SWEET girl, and we are so HAPPY that she is part of our family. We feel very lucky to have her.