Lovin' My Family

I'm so proud of my kiddos for rising to the occasion. Being out of their home for two weeks with five other kids can be a recipe for not so great behavior. I am happy to report that my kids have treated us to another great vacation. I got just what I wanted. I have immersed myself in my kids and was able to enjoy them without multi-tasking. Such a treat for a Mommy who often feels pulled in too many directions.

Turning Corners

Every year as we drive to the beach, Alex and I have the same conversation. We try to predict how well Adeline will adjust to the beach environment. Sand, wind, and loud and strong waves naturally fall into her "fearful" category.

Each year she surprises us.

This year, Adeline has turned some huge corners. The first week of vacation she was happy to go wade at the water's edge, jump waves up to her waist (as long as she was tightly gripping an adult hand) but was most happy playing in the sand. Her favorite place was playing in one of the many holes her daddy digs for the kids. She likes to jump into them and wallow around in sand. The wallowing alone is amazing!

Now that we have been here over a week, the holes are still interesting but the waves are clearly the draw. Just yesterday, Adeline asked me to go into the water with her. She stood waist deep, pulled and tugged on my arm to go deeper and said, quiet emphatically, "I want to go deeper Mama, I want the waves to splat me." I don't know where this deeper desire comes from but The Belle likes big crashing waves that knock her off her feet. I need to keep a hand on her because one strong wave can knock her off her feet and push her 10 feet away from me, underwater most of the time, before she finds her footing.

The first week. . . 

The second week. . .

Adeline really surprised us when she spotted Savannah out in the waves and walked out to her without asking an adult to come with her. While this was a dangerous choice, we kept a good eye on her while our hearts were swelling with pride. After years of Adeline constantly holding our hands in any new or uncomfortable situation, it was a delight to watch her wade out, independently, to her big sister.  Miss Adeline wasn't going to stop until she was jumping waves with her big sister. Thankfully, she has a sister like Savannah that subtly moves into more shallow waters while still giving Adeline the thrill of independent wave jumping.

I just love this girl!

And speaking of corners, Miss Adeline held a sparkler this year!  Yes, this is the same child we were trying to acclimate to fireworks just a few weeks back.  We can close that chapter.  Adeline happily watched the fireworks over the ocean this 4th of July.  Alex and I couldn't believe it when she asked to join in with the other kids, and hold a sparkler.

Finally, I will let this video from today's water slide outing speak for itself.

Happy 4th of July

9th Annual Holden Beach Trek

The beginning of the 10+ hour drive. . .

Nearing the end. . .

Thank goodness for good travelers and for kids who arrive at a hotel after sleeping in a car, jump around for ten minutes in excitement and then go down without a hitch.

The reward . . .

Are You Making A Mess Up There?

No, we are just cleaning. . . That's one bottle of shampoo down the drain - literally!

We Are All Packed Mommy

Adeline and Lila decided to pack themselves for the beach this year.  Their suitcases were zipped and waiting at the top of the stairs.  Apparently you don't need any clothes when spending two weeks at the beach.

She Swims!

After five long weeks, Miss Lila Grace can swim.

Lila has been taking swim lessons throughout the school year without much progress.  This summer, we enrolled her in the same program that taught Savannah to swim - granted, Savannah learned to swim last year so we recognized that we were pushing the envelope with Lila.  All three of my girls were born fearful swimmers and resisted swim lessons.  Luckily, Lila knew I meant business this year and, while she didn't want to, she put her face in the water and learned how to use her big arms.

At first, Lila thought that she would sink and clung to her swim teacher if he tried to move away from her.  After going back and forth with him for four weeks, he gained her trust and got her over the hump.  The last week, she swam with a new teacher.  The change was positive.  Lila didn't show signs of fear and in five days got her big arms out of the water (they are too straight and make her movements a bit jerky) and learned to swim independently.  Here is a clip of Lila swimming 2/3 of a lap without assistance. 

I am so proud of her.  She believes she is a swimmer, is proud of her accomplishment and has hinted at wanting to take the test in the outdoor pool in order to go off the diving board.