Swimming lessons!

The girls both started their swimming lessons this week at the Pool School. This is a day that Caroline has anticipated for I think her whole life. She LOVES to swim. We are ready for her to swim without her vest and she was ready to take to the water. Anna is a fish but wanted to still take lessons and learn more strokes. She was quickly promoted to the highest level. The parents of the kids in Caroline's class were laughing because she was the only one that would do much of anything for the few lesson or two. Definitely glad that they both love the water so much!

ready for lessons!
caroline showing off her skills

anna my fish!

Two wheeler success!!

A day we thought would NEVER arrive finally did on Friday night. Anna has had a good bike for almost two years. To her credit, Gary and I bought it too big (isn't hindsight 20/20??) and last summer it fit much better. She really could not get the hang of it and was frustrated a lot. We did not focus on it at all. We have had some great spring weather days lately and so I thought I would carefully broach the subject of the bike again. We made a handy dandy "bike practice chart" to record her practice time. We found a new location, a flat parking lot near our home. And Gary loaded up on patience. After just under 2 weeks of practicing every day for 15-20 minutes, she is riding around the path at Cameron Brown park on her own! I was so excited. Gary was THRILLED. Being a competitive/elite cyclist you would think bike riding was in the genes and it would be easy. Not so fast my friend!! A few more tries on braking and turning and we will be completely done with lessons. Looking forward to a spring/summer full of fun family bikes rides! Independence at last!!

the bike chart
success!! gary was worn out from running beside her!

Spring Break

The girls were on spring break this week. We got creative and split up their days between my parents and Gary and me since taking vacation this time of the year is very difficult for us. We saved some money by not sending the girls to holiday care and they had a great time.

They stayed with my mom and stepfather on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The weather was fantastic and they enjoyed a trip to the zoo (where we learned Caroline is enamored with the Teton Trek area), a picnic at Shelby Farms and a movie.

My day was Tuesday. Of course it was yucky outside but we made the most of it. Anna had her eye exam that morning followed by a haircut. Then after a yummy lunch together we headed to Sweet and Sassy for manicures and pedicures for the girls. They loved the pampering.

Gary had the girls on Thursday. Their day started with breakfast at Brother Junipers, a classic place over by the University of Memphis. Following the filling of the bellies, they all headed over to the Botanic Gardens to enjoy My Big Backyard. Gary had not been before and all three thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

All in all the girls enjoyed their week and we had some great time with the girls.

anna getting prepped for her manicure

caroline loved soaking her toes

anna went for pink and blue toes!

caroline on the balance beam at my big backyard

gary enjoying a beautiful spring day with the girls

anna playing peek-a-boo fun times with our sweet girls!