Swimmers

Here's how it started. Wednesday night Brian took both the boys to the pool while I got to stay home and have some mom time (really Heather time, cause I get a ton of 'mom' time). When they got back he told me Neil was now swimming. Part of me couldn't quite believe it because aside from teaching the boys how to kick Brian hasn't introduced any this is how you swim instruction.

Thursday night I went to the pool with the guys and brought along the camera just in case I could catch Neil on film. Not only did I get footage of Neil, but I think all of mom and dad's praise of Neil prompted Ben to start swimming too. (How many feats will Ben take on just because he see his younger brother doing it?) Here's the video:

Sorry about all the rumbling, it was super windy while I was filming.

Ben's New School

Ben has been taking a test run with his new school in their 3-week summer program. They actually have a topic they've been working on: the body. Today, he came home wearing a brain, heart, lungs and digestive system. Yesterday, he had a Ben-sized drawing of himself with labels indication things like neck, shoulder, feet. He's been pretty enthusiastic about the items he brings home and is eager to share them with Brian when he gets home from work.

All this anatomy has my mommy daydreaming working overtime. I picture him growing up to be a doctor someday. If any of you have seen his hand-washing technique, up to his elbows, you'd agree he'll specialize in surgery. If I really allow myself to get carried away, I picture him being a plastic surgeon – that way I can get a discount later on.

I Guess I'm a Runner Now

I just signed up for my first 5k. I'm participating in Westfield Works Wonders 5K Race - Benefiting United Way of Will County on August 14. (Thank you to Donna and my friend Laura for encouraging me.) I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nice low humidity day.

Also I ran 7.6 miles today and didn't feel like collapsing.

Fourth of July in Michigan

The boys are starting to become really good RV travelers. The drive there and back were both pretty easy. We spent two nights at Al's and one night at Donna's. The boys got to go fishing for the first time which was a huge hit since that's about all they wanted to do based on our pictures. Uncle Al even got them to kiss their first fish. I got to go for a morning kayak which was so peaceful. Brian took Ben out later which he enjoyed, but Bri reports Ben was frustrated that he wasn't capable of paddling on his own. We got to see fireworks on Al's lake and the boys slept right through them in the RV. (Blue didn't seem to mind them either, which was a concern of ours.)

At Donna's the boys got to go swimming. Which of course they love. Plus they had a tractor ride with Uncle Dan. They watched their first full length movie, Toy Story. Which they loved so much they had to watch it again the next day.

Brian and I wanted to make sure we sent out a great big thank you to cousin Matt who had the boys occupied for quite some time. They both seem to be taken with him.

So I put together a few of the photos we took over the weekend and it got me to thinking how tremendously blessed the boys are to have so many wonderful male role models in their lives.

Illinois Beach Camping

We headed north for a brief 1.5 hour drive to Illinois Beach state campground. Had a pretty nice time. The weather was mostly agreeable. (It always seem to ran in the middle of the night, not as bothersome as when you're in a tent, but still just as loud.)

This was our first state campground since getting the RV. We were a little nervous thinking it would be more rustic than we've become accustom to, but pleasantly surprised. The site was bigger than we anticipated and the roads were paved. We enjoyed the beach, but wished it wasn't quite so rocky. (Have I heard the western side of Lake Michigan is rocky, while the eastern side is sandy – or is that nonsense I made up.) Also, the park is more closely monitored, meaning DNR or sheriffs or who ever is always watching you. I got a stern talking to about having Blue off lease and a reminder that a ticket is $75. This only irked me because Blue had been accosted on three separate occasions by Huckleberry, a giant Great Dane, from two sites over.

Two of Brian's local suppliers came to visit us at the campground which was a lot of fun. John and his family came during the day to have fun on the beach and Dan came to enjoy the campfire one evening.

Here's a video:


And some pics:

This Weeks Highlights

Neil is now able to pedal the tricycle. Yesterday, he made it half the distance of our sidewalk. Today, he made it all the way to Mr. Dwyer's house.

Ben is now going potty in the big toilet. Hallelujah! (The Montessori he'll be attending only has big toilets so we had to prepare him.) I'm not sure how we got started on the potty chair, probably because that was what I saw readily available at Target, but I'm kicking myself now for not getting the toddler toilet seat from the beginning.

Father's Day

To celebrate Father's Day we took the boys to Cantigny Park so they could reflect on our fore-fathers and the brave soldiers who have served our country. Aw, wasn't that poetic. Really we went so the boys could have a cool time climbing on tanks and cannons with their dad.

Alas, nothing is quite as cool as a trip to the Red Robin where they were able to meet (read: hug) the Red Robin and get a couple of balloons.

I think they had a nice day.