1st Swimming Lessons

Gracie had her first swimming lessons in May & June. Going into the 1st class, I told Todd that I didn't have huge expectations for this round of lessons; I just wanted Gracie to feel comfortable getting in the water with the instructor and that she was willing to try the skills. Her teacher, Ashley, was really nice and incredibly patient; she also had the sweetest voice. Gracie surprised us and did really well in two of her four classes...she walked down the ramp and into the pool all by herself while Todd and I watched from right along the side. She was a very good listener and tried everything her teacher asked her do. We were so proud of her!

Well, that was until her third lesson...but to her credit, there was a wild boy in her class that wasn't listening and he was splashing around like a crazy person. I know you're probably thinking...SPLASHING, hello? It's a pool...and OK...I get it...it's a pool - but really...he didn't have to splash that much during a LESSON...it wasn't freeplay, people. This was the lesson for VERY beginners. His mother made a futile attempt to get him to stop, sit quietly and wait for his turn with the instructor...however, when he continued to splash like a maniac...his mom gave up and sat off to the side TEXTING. Uh, really? Nice parenting!!! Give me a break. The teacher couldn't get him to stop either...and that bothered me. I taught lessons during the summers while I was in college and I always did my best to keep control of my class. Bottom line, that kid pissed me off! He made Gracie not want to get in the water and that later lead to a major tantrum in the parking lot...and I'm not ok with her full-on, screaming at the top of her lungs tantrums that last for 30+ minutes. So when it was time for the 4th lesson...she didn't want to go and I didn't push it because I didn't want a repeat of the fiasco from the 3rd lesson.

WOW - that was a LONG story. Do ya think I'm a little bitter about that kid and her 1st lesson experience? Yes, but...I'll get over it and hopefully she will too. Now, on to the pictures from her very 1st lesson:

Here's what D thought about it!

I can't wait for the day that G & D love to swim!

Happy Birthday Ellee!

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Brooke's Bachelorette in NOLA

The end of April I flew to New Orleans for Brooke's Bachelorette Weekend. Brooke's sister, Blaine, planned a fabulous trip. I was a little worried about leaving Miss Delaney...only because she wouldn't take a bottle...but she survived on baby food, lots of yogurt, water from a medicine dropper (at the time, that little stinker wouldn't drink out of a sippy cup either), and lots of love and attention from her Daddy, grandparents, and her big sister!

I had so much fun that weekend...it was my first weekend away...without Todd or the girls in over 4 years. Crazy! I definitely missed my family but it was kinda nice to be by myself ~ I got to know Brooke better, the other girls were so much fun, and exploring New Orleans was wonderful. NOLA really is beautiful. I wish I could have spent time on Magazine St. with all the shops and restaurants, or wondered around the gardens, or seen the famous cemeteries, and I wish I would have taken more pictures! I big thank you to Brian, Todd's BFF, for driving over from Baton Rouge - he was our taxi driver on Saturday afternoon...we got to see the lower 9th ward, drove down Magazine St., went around the locked cemetery, and saw more of NOLA's beautiful homes and architecture. I loved seeing all the beads hanging from the telephone wires from past parades. NOLA is a fun and absolutely beautiful city!

We had a blast on Bourbon (day and night), checked out the French Market, ate beignets, wore beads, drank hurricanes and hand grenades, had a yummy southern dinner, and just enjoyed our time there and together.

Brooke & Brienne

The Bachelorette

Blaine & Brooke

Late night pizza after LOTS of drinks.

Todd's BFF Brian drove over from Baton Rouge.

FUN TIMES!

Dinner Music

I am so far behind posts - Oh wait, what? Am I telling you something you already know! Well, I'm going with the excuse that I've been busy with the girls, traveling, and just enjoying each day with my family; and, by the end of the day, after I've checked email, Facebook, online window shopped and looked at other blogs - I'm just plain exhausted.

Well...I'm back in my blog posting saddle. Better late than never, right? Bear with me as I catch up.

This video was from the end of April when we were eating dinner in our dining room which Gracie (and now the rest of our family) calls it "the diner". The girls provided the music and entertainment...

My, my, my how our quiet, romantic dinners have changed and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Sleepy Head

Sweet little D after crying herself to sleep.
Poor baby.
Have I mentioned how much I HATE crying it out.
Why is learning to self-soothe so hard?

Reading with Grape

1st Catch

PaPa got Gracie her 1st fishing pole, bobbers, and tackle box...and their 1st fishing adventure was a success! They caught 8 little fishes in the pond behind their house.

I'm not sure who had more fun...
Gracie or PaPa!