Look Out, Michael Phelps

Parker recently completed his first round of swimming lessons at Vanderbilt Swim School, and it was so worth it. Last year would have been too early, I think, but this year the timing was right. He was so enthusiastic and not a bit afraid of the water. He was actually a little too brave, and the instructors had to keep telling him to stay on the steps while he was waiting his turn. By the end of the class (40 minutes every day for two weeks), he could swim under water, come up for air, and go back under again, swimming with "spoon hands." He got a T-shirt and a certificate, and he's movin' on up to the Advanced Beginner class next time. We're going to wait until next year, since we're going to the pool several days a week. I think he'll get plenty of practice.

What did Sawyer do while Parker was swimming?
He spent lots of time climbing around the vents, which blew warm air Marilyn Monroe-style.

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Mama Monday

Photo by Sarah B. Gilliam Photography

So my friend Julie is starting a Mama Monday post, in which moms - who are all about pictures of our kids and everyone else except ourselves - actually post a picture of themselves each week. I really can't stand pictures of me, but I'm sure someday my kids will want to see some. I'm rarely in pictures, because I'm usually the one taking them. I think it's worth a shot - and a good exercise in getting over whatever fears I have of looking at myself in pictures. Here's an excerpt from Julie's post:

"So - I am going to suggest a weekly meme: Mama Mondays. Post a picture of YOURSELF each Monday. (You can take the picture over the weekend when you’re dressed up for a date or church if you’d like but get out from behind the camera.) I bet your kids will love having those shots of you and it would be nice to see a face to go with all the things that get written from mama’s perspective."

Well, I just barely made in on Monday (only 30 minutes till Tuesday). But here it is!

Next time ... a self-portrait? Give Parker the camera? Maybe I'll get creative...

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Say Hello To My Anniversary Present

I am in heaven. I've been obsessed with getting a digital SLR for awhile now, because I am so tired of my point-and-shoot shots being out of focus. I have missed so many great moments because of the shutter delay and because the camera always wants to focus on whatever's in the background. So Jerod went out and bought the Canon Rebel XS, which I've been wanting for months and months. It's perfect for amateur shots, giving me some creative control and - finally! - a real-time shutter click and better focusing. I came home one day, and it was on the counter. Just sitting there.

Thank you, Jerod! I don't need things to celebrate our 13 years together, but I sure do like this camera. :)

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What We've Been Up To...

Our summer is off to a busy, busy start. I have no time to update in-depth now, but soon I'll post pics from Parker's swim school (two weeks of class and he's swimming on his own under water!), our weekend in Alabama, an early anniversary surprise, and some wonderful pictures of Sawyer, who has turned into a little boy before our eyes. Did I mention that he has officially moved up into the toddler room at preschool? More on that later. Here are a few pics from recent days.

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Birthday Boy!

Here are a few photos from Parker's birthday party on Saturday. It was risky to plan a pool party at the end of May, but we were soooo lucky. The day was hot, with no clouds in sight. Whew!! The kids had a blast, and we had a great turnout. It was a little crazy with so many people, but Erica made sure we got some pictures. So much fun. And I'm in some denial about how old this boy is getting. Five?? Wow. Happy 5th birthday, Parker. We love you!

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Photo Shoot Results!

Wow! Here are some photos (these are just a few of my favorites) from our photo shoot by Sarah B. Gilliam at Smarty Pants recently. I love them, even though I can tell that Sawyer was not feeling well that day (not a single smile the whole time ... aaah, well). I posted earlier about the bad morning we had, but what can you do? I am so glad we went, and I really want to do it again soon. (I really can't resist good photography...) This is going to be regular thing at Smarty Pants. The next ones are June 13 and 14. Check out Sarah's blog or the Smarty Pants site for details. I'll post a few more pics soon. I just love these. I told Parker that next time, I will let him wear anything he wants. He asked if he could wear his Batman costume.

I said absolutely.

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Medieval Madness

We headed to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival today in Arrington. It was our first time ... and what a blast. Seriously. We thought it might be fun, but we didn't expect to have that much fun. It was like a big costume party in the woods ... with beer. People were really light-spirited and friendly to the kids. Parker wore his batman cape and knee pads and elbow pads (armor), and people bowed to him and called him a knight - much to his delight. Overcast skies made it a not-too-hot day, and we met up with our neighbors, the Moores - even better. Lots of silliness and fun things to see.

A wench juggling for Parker

Ethan, Amanda and Parker watching the jousting competition

Sawyer was such a trouper, and he seemed to love watching all the craziness

Parker wielding his new sword and shield

Erin getting konked on the head by the big scary knight guy

Me and Erin

Sawyer and Jerod

Parker with Queen Elizabeth and one of her attendants

Jerod was in heaven ... giant beers!

Amanda and Queen Elizabeth

Jerod carrying a very tired Knight Parker to the car

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