tales from a far-land

To the man in my life who has played so many roles ... Dad, I can never repay you for all the things you've done.  I can only love you more and more for each and every one.   Hoping you have a day full of love, golf and good times.  Happy Father's Day!

For the entire school year, Madilyn continued to ask if she could swim on a team again.  So, of course, this summer we enrolled her in the City of Phoenix aquatics program for the second year in a row.  This swimming season Madi is swimming for the Sunnyslope Sharks.  Selfishly, Josh and I moved her to a new pool this year as the swim practice time is more favorable with our work schedules.  Madi didn't care; she just wanted to swim. Madi @ Swim Practice Madilyn's first swim meet of the season was this past Thursday.  I have stated this previously, but what a difference a year makes.  Madilyn looked really strong; definitely, more skilled in her strokes than last year. She exuded confidence and comfortability.  And to top it off, she enjoyed herself.  She was having fun, which, in turn, made watching her swim fun for us.  Cannot wait to see how much she improves during the duration of the season.  Go Sharks! Warming up before the meet Our little fish

Our family loves beach vacations!  So, we decided to head to Mission Bay for the Memorial Day weekend as soon as the school year was complete.  We stayed in a rental house right on Mission Bay. It was so perfect.  The kids were able to run down to the beach whenever they wanted and the adults were able to watch the kids from not too far away.  For the entire weekend, we didn't have one thing planned on our agenda.  We enjoyed beach time, bicycle rides to Baked Bear and breakfast, cuddlet time and a campfire cookout on the beach.  It made for a most delightful vacation.  The view from our rental house Princess and Batman bayside  Kisses!  A-OK!  Surfer Girl  Beach Boy  Frisbee Tossing Sand play  Beach cookout  Hanging with Aunt Kathleen (Before Pic) Hanging with Aunt Kathleen (After Pic) Family Bike Ride  Morning stroll on the boardwalk after breakfast Game night before watching fireworks Last beach day photo s

May 26th was a big day for both Madilyn and Aiden.  It was Madilyn's last day as a kindergartner at BASIS Central Phoenix.  And it was Aiden's last day at Anderson Preparatory Academy. I cannot believe how much a kid can grow and change in just a school year.  She is becoming quite the big girl.  After one year in kindergarten, she can read level two books.  She can add and subtract two digit numbers.  She can write full sentences with punctuation and capital letters.  She is becoming more confident and quite the creative artist.  I am so excited to see how much more she flourishes in first grade.  Madi and Ms. Arnold  Mommy and Madi Final Grading Period Grades Then, there is Mr. Man.  What a difference almost five years makes!  He has grown up so much.  He is sweet and caring, but also feisty and rambunctious.  Academically, Aiden is ready for kindergarten. His sister has already taught him how to count to ten in Mandarin.  He is already reading some