summer swimming

I am beyond grateful my mom came to take care of us after I had baby. Among many things she did she helped me survive the first session of swim lessons.  Lainy also took the kids a couple of times which was awesome.  We had a great swim year!  Lyssie is swimming now as is Gracie and Letty is doing great too.  Our swim teacher teaches survival swimming, she doesn't mess around with weeks of blowing bubbles she gets right to the meat of it.  There were lots of tears at first but once Lyssie knew what to do she was off.  Lyssie loves the water and is fearless so I feel so much better knowing she has some swimming skills.  

 Lyssie making the jump

 Gracie and Letty

They MUST wear goggles :) heaven forbid water gets in your eyes

one day older and wiser too

Letty went and turned 9 on us this year.  I'm sad my camera was on a funny setting and most birthday pictures turned out weird.  Letty is fortunate to have her birthday next to a holiday so dad is around to play.   On the 4th  she and her cousins when to the summer movies in the morning followed by lunch at chick-fil-a, and then roller skating (nothing like a classic activity).  Later we had dinner with the Lakes and went to see the fireworks, nothing formal just found a spot we could see them.  The next day on her actual birthday we went to Olive Garden for dinner followed by dessert and fireworks with the Lakes.

Letty at 9 is such a big help especially with her siblings.  She always begs for me to leave her at home alone with her babysitting (haven't quite gotten to that point yet, although she would do fine).  She is enthusiastic and excited about life and learning.  She is a master crafter and activity planner.  She is amazing and I'm so glad she is in our family. Happy Birthday!

 Her dessert of choice, sherbert with sprite.

some sparkle shoes Gracie picked out along with a shirt

 4th of July cake the girls helped make

Baby announcement