In and Out

If you enjoy eating,


then it's important to keep in mind the formula of calories taken in versus calories burned in order to maintain your physique. Just ask Jacky....

Heights

Remember a little bit ago we were at the campground? Well, it wasn't all bad. In fact, they had a super fantastico water slide that the big kids LOVED. You remember....where the lifeguard chain smoked while watching my children? Here they are at the top of the staircase waiting their turn--see them waving at me?Here's a better view of what that staircase was like. Um, yea. I don't do heights. But, in the spirit of motherhood and family fun, I tried it. I was pretty sure when the kids came running up behind me grabbing my arm excitedly to tell me about their last ride I was going to plummet to my death by falling between the cracks of the staircase. What? It could happen!And here are their cute little faces when they reached the bottom. And miraculously, no one plummeted.



They also had a cedar lake. My husband, who is from NY, was all "Wha? Why is the water brown?" Apparently, he didn't grow up swimming in cedar lakes like me and was a bit put off...well, I can't really blame him. I didn't even go in. The kids loved it though. Here's a little video of all the big kids racing Dad into the water. They had a blast.

The End. Again.

I found some more pictures on my camera that I forgot to post...you know, proud Mom and all that.

Britton: Breaststroke

Britton: Butterfly

Ben: Breaststroke

The End

Today was the last swim meet of the season for my little swimmers. They did a great job and both girls have qualified for Championships. Here are some fun videos of youngest to oldest (Ben, Britton, Bryanna) doing Butterfly.








Ben freestyle:



Britton backstroke and fly:Bryanna free:

Three For Sunday

I know. I know. It's supposed to be "Five for Friday". Well, life gets busy and this will be more fun. I promise.

So, the husband and I took the big kids to a campground this weekend in South Jersey (Yes, there is a need to differentiate). Let's just say it was a bit, how shall I say this delicately....hick. Here's how I knew:

1. It seemed people had enough money for tattoos, but not teeth.

2. The lifeguard on duty spent most of his time chain smoking...I'm pretty sure that would have been frowned upon by the American Red Cross who gave him his certification.

3. Last, but by no means the least, there was a wedding at this campground...at the banguet hall. We then saw the bride and groom proceed back to their Winnebago with a "Just Married" sign hanging out front. Even the family dog celebrated with a glow in the dark blinking collar.

Because

It's Friday. And Jessica and I are happy about it.

Overheard

In the back seat of the minivan where two toddlers sat:

Jessica: Stop yelling at me, Jacky!

Jack: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Jessica: Mom, he's yelling at my heart and now its broken.
(Jessica was channeling a little Olivia Newton John by the way.)

Fourth of July

We had a great Fourth. Here are some shots of the kids at the parade.


And of a little someone enjoying his slice of Fourth of July blueberry cake....

Family Vacation: The Surf

While on vacation last week (has it been a week? Sniff. Sniff.), my two oldest girls had the amazing opportunity to attend Hakilua Surf Camp, a ministry of my parent's church (Nags Head Church). Both girls were able to spend three solid hours with one on one instruction and had the best time. And, they both got up to a stand and rode a wave! How cool is that???

Family Vacation: The Beach

There are those among us who enjoy the beach, who can play for hours and explore and jump waves and be happy.




There are also those among us who come to dread the beach. The sand! The sand! Dread to the point dropping to the floor in pain and agony when they see their rash guard coming towards their blonde head. But, their Mom still makes them go.

*Some photos courtesy of Nate Lawrenson*