{spring fever}

Well, we've got it. Spring fever that is. Every day, we stare longingly at the mountains, wishing to be there. When it warms up, we get the itch even more. So this weekend, we corraled some friends, I took my midterm exam early (only 3 more weeks left), and we all headed out for South Fork-our home away from home. It ended up being a nice weekend of relaxation, camping in our RV, and soaking in the Pagosa Hot Springs. We got some sun too! The kids baked a little more than anticipated, although I did do the mom thing and coat them with sunscreen... We were just in the water longer than anticipated. But it was wonderful.

{swimming lessons}

Have you ever had a "light-bulb moment"? I need some company. It seems I have these alot. All moms probably say to themselves at one point or another, "Why didn't I think of that earlier?" Where is the manual for child-raising that includes such reminders as "let your child feed himself at 18 months; your child should be potty-trained by age 3; it is no longer appropriate for a child to suck his thumb after age 4; it is highly recommended to take your child to the zoo 3 times a year; enroll your child in swimming/karate/gymnastics/soccer lessons by age___." After all, how can a mom keep up with all these things?

So I had a similar light-bulb moment about 3 weeks ago. My kids have been begging for me to buy them floaties for the pool this summer (they lost theirs at the end of last summer). We haven't gone swimming recently, but they are already thinking and somewhat fearful about it. Then it dawned on me, "Swimming lessons. Why haven't I enrolled them sooner?" I mean, I have a friend with a 3 year-old who just jumps right in and swims underwater with no assistance or timidity. Why can't my kids do that? Because I have not enrolled them in swimming lessons. So I did. They are now taking weekly lessons at the Safe Splash Swim school, in the same class for now. Their first lesson was quite a success. Donned with new goggles and a pink swim cap for Katelyn, they excitedly lined up to enter the pool. I got to watch the energy through the huge window in the parent's lounge. When we went to the hot springs this weekend, they were noticeably more comfortable in the water, even after just 1 lesson.

Their cousin Andrew is signed up to join in the fun and take lessons with them. I can't help but laugh out loud every time I look at this picture of Kate. Let me know if you did too!