Fun at the Pool

Yesterday we went to a local county pool for some play time with some friends. I'm so happy that our kids love the water. Madison and Carson became much more comfortable in the water after 2 weeks of swimming lessons and Jason is just a daredevil willing to try just about anything. Here are some pictures from our time there.

Jason wasn't as interested in the water initially. He walked around a lot and played with rocks.

During swimming lessons Madison would barely try anything especially anything involving getting her face wet, then the first time we went to the pool she submerged herself and realized it was actually fun. Here is a little video clip of her showing off her skills.

And this slide is great. It's a huge frog with it's mouth open so you're basically sliding down it's tongue. Madison can't get enough. She has gone down it feet first, head first, on her stomach and on her back. I can't wait until she really learns to swim and can join a swim team!

Carson is a little more apprehensive and he doesn't like to be made to do anything, but let him do his own thing and he does pretty well. He doesn't go under yet but gets pretty close. He's not interested in the slide at all!

Once we got Jason going yesterday, he was unstoppable. He'd go down, I'd catch him and then he'd immediately say "more, more" although it sounds more like "Ma, Ma" Here are a few videos of Jason on the slide.

At first Matt acted as if he was going to put Jason down head first. I immediately said "NO!" He turned him around and sent him down.

Kisses

Madison spontaneously gives me a kiss and says, "you feel soft" and then follows with "daddy feels tickly" and then follows with "that's because he has fur"

So funny how they think about things.

Tiny Hands Crafts

In the spring I enrolled Madison and Carson in an art class through the county recreation program. It was called Tiny Hands Crafts. We went for 45 minutes each week for 7 weeks. Each week we made about 3 projects...some keepers. The kids really enjoyed getting messy, and Carson got messy just so he could wash his hands in the big sink. I really liked the fact that I didn't have to worry about all the paint all over my table and floor. Plus it gave me (the uncreative one) lots of ideas for future crafts at home!

Strawberry Picking

Towards the end of strawberry picking season Madison, Carson, and I headed over to Butler's Orchard to gather some strawberries. Carson did as much eating as picking, but nonetheless we ended up with a nice supply to bring home.

Pool and Deck Time

Our deck has served us very well with 3 small children. Since it has no stairs, it is a relatively safe play area. It gets wonderful morning into afternoon sun and then is completely shaded by 3 4 pm. We bought a little pool for the summer and I fill it up in the early morning to give it time to warm up by 10 or so. They have all really enjoyed splashing and playing in the water.
The "built-in" slide has also been very fun.

Madison's smile says it all.

We acquired a little wooden picnic table from a friend and it has been a wonderful addition to our deck as well. Here the kids enjoy a snack on the deck.

And this post wouldn't be complete without a little swimming video.

The Pier Band

A few months ago I posted about our marching band. Now Matt has joined the band and it's a family affair. Enjoy.

Feeding Time

Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, mealtime around here is an event. Well it can probably be compared to feeding time on a farm. Watch and enjoy.

Madison's First Ballet Class

At the beginning of June, Madison participated in her first ballet class under the teaching of a very kind and talented young lady from our church. The class was for 3 1/2 to 5 year olds which meant that Madison was probably the youngest since she was just 3 1/2 at the end of May. She was very excited for the class...until we got there. She cried quite a bit the first day, but eventually adjusted. She wouldn't show me anything she was learning at home so I was really unsure of what she would do on "performance" day. She delighted and surprised me!

Here are some pictures and videos.
Most of the girlies prior to their performance.

Madison sitting patiently and so seriously.

Doing the hand movements to the Bible verse they worked on through the week.

One of their activities was to learn to walk on their tiptoes in a graceful manner. It's Madison's turn to walk across the room with 20 plus people watching!

And my favorite video...their final performance. Madison amazed me as she followed the teacher's directions and cues. Isn't she adorable...I'm biased I guess.

Arnie and Dawn Baer....July 5, 2009

What an awesome celebration....My best friend Dawn (Weaver) married her new best friend Arnie Baer on July 5th, 2009. I was honored to stand alongside as matron of honor. Here are some quick pictures from the occasion:
Dawn surprising Arnie with a song..."The Gift of Love." She was amazing.
The exchanging of rings.

Have I ever looked so serious? (I was very aware that my toes were falling asleep and my feet were killing me...I was thinking, "just a few more minutes!")

The very first kiss between Arnie and Dawn....so sweet! Dawn was weak in the knees after that one!

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Lewis Baer.

Time to celebrate!

The happy couple pose for a quick picture.

The beautiful cake made by Dawn's sister.

The Baers plus the Piers minus the little ones.

The Piers. (I'm sitting down now...which is why I'm so happy...and I had already given my matron of honor speech...another huge relief!)

Dawn Baer....singing to Arnie

Playing at the Park

One wonderful thing about living in Montgomery County is there is an abundance of great parks and recreation areas. Matt came across this one while he was out and about for work and we visited it with a picnic lunch back in April when we had some beautiful weather.

Jason taking it all in.
Madison climbing on a dinosaur.

Carson behind bars.

Madison begins the climb up the wall.

Keep going...you can do it.

Almost there.

Time for the descent.