Tid Bits

Maddie:
**Has done AMAZINGLY well this summer at gymnastics and has now learned- back handspring on tramp, back walkover, front limber, back hip circle on bars, handstand on balance beam.  It made me so sad when she had her last day of classes this week.  She is intent that we will quickly find a new gymnastics place in New Hampshire and was so sad to leave coach Jason.
**Participated in swim team this summer.  Although it was difficult at the beginning for her to swim 25 yards she stuck with it and learned how to swim much better.  She learned breast stroke, butterfly, back crawl, and freestyle (front crawl).  She was so excited to place 7th in breast stroke at one of her last meets instead of eighth.
**Can be a real stinker.  She asked me the other day if I had a baby in my belly.  I quickly told her no and asked her why she said this.  Here was her reply, "well your belly feels all soft, so I thought there was a baby in there."  Gee thanks little Missy, love you too.

Robby:
**Has also done really well at swimming this summer.  He only took one round of lessons, but has learned how to swim down to the deep end in my parents pool and retrieve objects, can jump off diving boards and swim to the other end of the pool in front crawl, can swim back crawl for a short distance, and basically monkey around however he chooses in a pool.  I love how all my kids are little fishies!
**Has been so excited to move to New Hampshire, but the other day I guess he was having second thoughts.  He came up to me and said, "Mom, I was thinking. How about we just VA-cation to Ba Hampshire {how he pronounces NH} instead of moving there." I had to laugh at his smart thinking, too bad it is a little late for that idea.
**Has found some new loves in life: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Wars.  He begs us to watch these movies and loves to pretend he is a Ninja Turtle or a Jedi.

Eli:
**Is really growing up these days and talks sooo well.  Like full sentences almost all the time well.  Once again I am not ready for him to continue to grow up.  Good thing he still likes cuddling in my arms with his blankies and pacifier otherwise I might really lose it!
**The other day I was getting ready for the day and he made me laugh.  He immediately said "You not going to work today, you not have work clothes on, yeah!" I had to smile because I actually did work that day, I just had a doctors appt before then and had to get ready.  He was pretty bummed to find out I actually did have to go to work.
**Despite his best efforts to NOT learn to swim this summer, he has actually learned how to swim quite well.  He took lessons at my parents pool by our ever favorite "Miss Darla". He spent a good portion of the time scared and crying but has not become quite the little swim floater.  He has jumped off the diving board a few times and loves to have me push him to the bottom of the shallow end and he will retrieve swim buddies.  I love seeing him conquer this fear of his and move past it!

I love my kids so much, they truly bring me so much happiness in life.  As hard as motherhood can be, just one little hug or smile by them can wipe away any frustrations I may have.  I am kind of lame, in that I LOVE to be with them.  I revel in my time I get to spend with them.  Whether it is building a puzzle, watching a move together, going to McDonalds, or reading books together I love to be with them.  I have especially cherished the one on one time I have gotten with them.  Robby and I went to Jamba Juice the other day after his dentist appt on a Mommy-Son date. We had so much fun and he keeps asking when we get to go on another date together! I can't wait to do more things with them!