Little fish

Scarlett and Beck took swimming lessons for the past two weeks. My sweet mom volunteered her pool and found someone on the Alamo Heights swim team that could give them lessons. Each child got their own 30 minutes with her and I think it worked out perfectly. I had never even let Scarlett put her face in the water because I was afraid she'd swallow too much, but after these lessons she now can jump off the side and swim to the steps. It isn't pretty, but she can do it. She can also go to the bottom of the pool and get a ring or other toy. The only problem is now I'm almost more nervous than I was before because she thinks she can do so much by herself!

My big boy

He's trying to walk! It's such a strange feeling to be so proud to see him doing all these new things, and yet at the exact same time wishing he would just SLOW DOWN and not grow up so fast!

Because of this...

that came in two of these...
I am almost caught up with this...

Sleeping Beauties

Clark's favorite new pose...even in his sleep. Because he is that cool (please ignore the sweet potato spit up on the crib sheet)

My little mermaid. In case you can't tell, her body is in the pillowcase. When I asked her in the morning what she was doing, she said she was a mermaid...duh, of course!

Ridiculous

Brody is a morning person. He likes getting up, having coffee, reading the paper and watching Sports Center before any of us are awake. Thankfully, he also likes getting the kids up and having breakfast with them...it's their time together since several nights a week he doesn't get home until after they are in bed. Every night this is his routine:

Set out Scarlett's bowl and plate for breakfast

get Clark's bottle, cereal and fruit ready

and since our fabulous and much prettier coffee maker broke, he now gets the coffee ready because this one doesn't have a timer (btw...this cheapie version from HEB has worked much better than the fancy one, go figure)

I am glad he's so organized and even more thrilled that he likes this time with the kids. They can start their morning in an organized and calm way...as opposed to when I do it...running around in a dither slurping down coffee. Thanks babe.

Circus

Poor Scarlett, Sea World and the Circus in the same week...she'd better not get used to this!!

Date Night and Fourth of July

As often as we see the Bailey's you'd think we would have plenty of double dates, but the last time Brody and I got to go out with just Ben and Jaime was when Jaime and I were pregnant with the Briggs and Clark...so it had been a while. We went to the Cheesecake Factory and had a great time. The guys were even thoughtful enough to get us flowers. We love our kids...but a night with all adult conversation is pretty great!

Friday we went to my parents for swimming and grilling...our usual 4th of July event. It's really laid back so we all have a good time. My dad grilled burgers, hot dogs, and corn and we had lots of other good sides. The weather was a bit overcast at times but we all got a chance to swim.

Scarlett with a sparkler

she's trying to keep him still...

Clark's new favorite pose

the fam

I actually made Scarlett's outfit without any help from mom this time (besides two phone calls) so it's a step in the right direction. Now I only need to learn zippers, curtains, pillows, buttons, and sleeves...oh, and how to read a pattern...yikes!

Sea World

After saying for the past two years that I really wanted to take Scarlett to Sea World, yesterday we finally went. I have to say I think this was a great age to go for the first time. She was tall enough (barely) to ride the Shamu Express (kiddie coaster) and seemed to enjoy the shows. Besides telling us on the long parking lot walk up to the entrance that "we are never gonna get to Sea World" she did not complain about anything. My parents really allowed this fun afternoon because they stayed home with Clark. I felt a bit bad at first, but when it's 97 degrees outside and you have an almost 11 month old with an aversion to strollers, leaving him at home really was our best option for having a good time. Since it was only a few dollars more for a season pass, we will definitely be going back. Here are a few pics of the day:

Scarlett really wanted to do this ride. She had never been on any type of ride before and I was nervous for her...especially since she didn't meet the height requirements. They said as long as she went with an adult she was fine...and she had a great time!

Since Brody got to ride the log ride with her, I got to ride the Shamu Express. I think I screamed more than her!