Peabody Park at the River Market

Most days our lives revolve around Swim practice in the morning, swimming for fun in the afternoons, and Swim Meets on Saturdays. So this week I convinced the kids that we could do something other than go to the pool. We headed out, with our friends the Marshalls, to Peabody Park in Little Rock for the afternoon. It's a fun place with things to do for all ages. The Splash Pad is Hayden's and Halle's favorite.

Then they have a section with climbing rocks, tunnels, and caves. Caite really likes this part.

Isaac found a cool waterfall place. The kids had fun playing on the waterfall. It reminded them of Swiss Family Robinson's...but we didn't let them slide down to the river.

We also walked over to the bridge, took the elevator up, and let the kids run back and forth over the river.

Then we walked down to the river and let the kids throw rocks and climb around.

We had a fun day. The air was dry and not so hot. It reminded me of Utah. Days like this I would rather go on adventures. The Natural State is a great place for adventures.

Baseball

Every summer the Residents at Arkansas Children's Hospital have a night out with the Travelers. We have a catered BBQ and get to watch the game. The kids love it, because we get a whole section to ourselves and they can wonder up and down and eat as much food...mostly popcorn and pop...as they want.

These three do more people watching and doctor hob-nobbing than game watching.

It's always fun when we can get out and do things as a family. And with Aaron's schedule lighter these days we can do more of it.

Our Dad's the Greatest Guy

Happy Father's Day

Halle is missing from this pictures. It's really hard to get the 2 year to cooperate for a picture.

Aaron opening and putting together his Father's Day present...a new office chair...much needed.

Everyone (minus a stubborn 2 year old) sitting with their favorite dad in his new comfy chair.
Now she smiles.
Testing it out. It works.

We are grateful for Aaron. He is a great dad! He's patient, loving, level headed, ambitious, dedicated, hard working, funny, witty, smart...and much more. All great traits he's passing on to our kids. We love him!

DIVA...

...she is in every sense of the word.

sometimes it's fun...sometimes it's not.

Bring it On!

Caite and our friend Marrin after warm-up

Isaac and Caite had their first Swim Meet of the season yesterday. When I asked Isaac if he was ready to swim the 50 now instead of the 25 he responded, "Bring it on!" He did great! He swam freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and relay. He opted out of the IM this time, but will do it next week for sure. One of his best buddies, Caden, is on the team. It gives them a little friendly competition. It's fun because one week Caden beats Isaac and the next Isaac will beat Caden. They are pretty even in their skill.

Isaac (lane 5) and Caden (lane 6) ready for freestyle

Caden won this one, but Isaac swam well. He was happy with his time. They both set personal best records.

Backstroke..Isaac bearly ahead (he's the one closest to the bottom of the pic)

Isaac finishing backstroke...not another soul around...for a few seconds.

Caite was excited to do kick board. I'm glad they have that as an option for the little ones. It gives these little ones confidence and gets them ready to freestyle by the end of the season. At the beginning of practice season Caite asked if she could get a team suit. I told her when she could freestyle the whole 25 yards with using her side breathing then I would get her one. It only took a few weeks. Friday at practice she did it. After, she came up and said, "I did it! I get a suit now!" Yep. So now I need to fork over a small lump of cash and order her team suit.

Caite smiling...ready to kick hard.

Caite is the one with her head done at the top in 2nd place.

Caite and Shelby congratulating each other after kickboard.

Projects

It seems like I always have a sewing project going on. My friend Kathie (a.k.a. Master Quilter) convinced me that I can machine quilt. So I tried it! My friend Amy is having a baby in a few days, so I thought it would be fun to start with a baby quilt. I fell completely in love with this floral fabric...NOT AT ALL BABY...but TOTALLY AMY. The lady at the fabric store asked what I was making, when I told her a baby quilt, she gave me a terrible are-you-crazy-this-is-not-a-baby-quilt kind of look. I don't think she liked it, but I'm still in love with it. I must say, I'm pretty proud. I kept it very simple due to the loud print. Now the problem...we don't know if Amy is having a girl! If it's a boy, I'm in trouble.
Next project: Since my same friend Amy is having a new baby, they have to move their 17 month old, Aiden, (the little guy I babysit) into a big boy room. He is OBSESSED with cars and wheels, and horns. So they thought the best way for him to LOVE his new room would be to do it in CARS. They bought Aiden a toddler race car bed and I'm making the bedding and curtains. It's turning out really cute. When all is said and done I will have to take pictures of his room. I think he's going to LOVE it!

Explosion

My hydrangeas have completely exploded! I love them.