JULY!

Traditionally July has been my favorite month because it's my birthday month.  That started it all off when I was a kid.  What's better than a summer birthday party when you are a kid?  I grew up associating summer with birthday cake, (you know how strongly I feel about that), birthday gifts, no school, sprinklers, fire flies, sunshine, fireworks, late nights, summer night sounds and vacations with family...  Now that I'm an adult, my reasons have changed, and maybe even my choice of favorite month, but for the kids July is still magical.  It's only the 9th, but so far so good.   I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the 4 day swim lesson class I signed the kids up for at the beach was actually 12 days!  Wow, 12 days of packing for the beach.  In a row.  I was thrilled to learn that the kids will have a real opportunity to improve their swimming, but 12 days packing for the beach.  Not really my cup of tea.  

Minimalist beach packing list:

4 water bottles

snacks that won't get sandy for at least 3

3 towels

3 buckets with shovels

sunscreen that has to be put on BEFORE you go

beach chair for Mom

8 shoes in proper sizes and matching if possible

checking to see that all have eaten breakfast

tanks emptied BEFORE we get in the car (that's our code for potty)

bathing suits on- matching top and bottoms where possible

ponytail bands

swim vest for the boy

 I know it seems trivial and even ungrateful in idea.  I mean 12 mornings at the beach is pretty nice and we are lucky to be able to do it, but in real life, packing for the beach is crappy.  I won't buy one of those beach cart thingies I see the other Moms with.  I just won't do it.  Well, maybe.

So here are this week or three's pictures. 

Summer visit with pregnant Aunt Wendy and fireworks!

Sparklers on the beach.  Notice Nick has no shoes. 

Practicing gymnastics with Aunt Wendy.  She's a gymnastics coach!

High-fives after completing a new swim skill. 

G's swim class.

A's swim class.

Little man at the library getting Superhero videos and books about saber-toothed tigers!

Gymnastics

First Meet

 

Last meet

 Astrid has spent many hours of her last year practicing, conditioning her little muscular body and learning and working toward perfecting skills for her first year of competitive gymnastics.  She's a level 4 and her team just won 1st place in their state division.  She's doing really well, scoring in the top few for her team.  Here's a video of her floor routine at the state meet. 
     It's been a wonderful experience for us, as a family to watch her progress.  She has grown leaps and bounds (ha.) through the hours of practice.  She's become such a confident, down to earth person who has learned very young that hard work pays off! 
     The girls started in a homeschool gymnastics class years ago.  I remember asking if Astrid could participate even though she wasn't 4 yet.  They asked how close she was to 4 and I think she was just shy of three!  They let her in anyway and the rest is history.  One of the owners of the gym noticed her baby muscle strength and fearlessness and eventually they invited her to join the Rising Star pre-team.  She spent a year there and then was invited to join the level 4 competitive team.  She absolutely loves it.  She's sad on the days she doesn't have gymnastics and spends more time on her hands then on her feet.  There are always footprints on the refrigerator.  They are at my eye level.
    This summer she is practicing 4 days a week and never tires of it.  It's wonderful to see her so passionate.  It a dream of mine to have each of my kids find their passion(s) through experience.  I don't care what it is that they fall in love with.  I just want them to experience the feeling of deep love for something, whether it be a sport, art, activity, whatever.  To have a child find it at such a young age is gratifying and makes my heart smile.