Just a Note on the Kids and Swimming Pools

For those of you not familiar with the history of our kids and swimming pools, I just wanted to note what an amazing thing it is that they performed those feats in the video (see below). We used to take them to the pool and they'd scream and kick if you even wanted to sit them on the edge of it... remember Kenny and Kathy?? Every time we get in they seem to have more confidence/bravery!

By the way, the more personal notes on here are usually from me (Sandy)... Derek writes like an article for the newspaper... which is fine, just different!

Arizona + 100 degrees = SWIMMING

The Pool Family decided to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend by taking a dip in the pool. Anna, Jack and Leah have continued to show off their bravery. Check out the video to see the kiddos in action.

Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNcEfwjHwaI

It has been warm and sunny here and we've been enjoying the pool. The kids are getting braver by the week with the water and we hope to develop some swimmers... maybe one anyhow, by the end of the summer. We were out this afternoon and everyone enjoyed the pool and the slip-n-slide!


Jack in Action!
He's pracitcing on his new big bike and is getting really good at it. He's on the short end for a bikie this size, but is doing well.

What can you say, isn't he adorable?

Grandma Hileski took Jack for a 'hike' and out to one of his favorite dining establishments, Boston Market. Luke joined the picture with his matching hat.

These candles were a lot harder to blow out than the average variety.

We had some friends from church over Saturday night for Jack's birthday party. Swimming, dinner, cake and ice cream and presents... what else could he ask for?

The family.

Jack's Birthday - Part III

Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lly7sz3jKpw to view the Slip-n-Slide video.

(Kenny, you may want to take notes on the editing features of this film!)

Jack's Birthday - Part II

A NEW SUMMERTIME TRADITION

Anna, Leah and Luke presented Jack with a SLIP-N-SLIDE for his birthday. This gift is very appropriate for Phoenix. We set it up at 9 am this morning to try it out (it was about 90 degrees out). Everyone had a good time - including Derek! Plans are already in the works to acquire a second one in order to increase the length from 18' to 36'.


WHOA!

Slip and Sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide

Someone had to show the kids how this worked.

Jack's getting the hang of it!

Jack's Birthday - Part I

JACK TURNS FOUR

(tomorrow)

This morning we celebrated Jack's birthday. Jack and Sandy enjoyed a breakfast together at Paradise Bakery. After breakfast, Jack opened a number of presents - a new bike, a cool Playmobil pirate ship, a Slip-n-Slide to name a few. Take a look at our next posting for some action shots from later in the morning.

Jack's New Bike - "The Rocket"

Happy Birthday!

"That's me in 3-1/2 years"

Fun in the Sun!

Instead of sending everyone email updates with pictures attached, I'm going to try posting to this blog from time to time. The first entry was my trial (Easter picture below) and I'm finally getting more up. I've got some video shorts from our camera that I'd like to try to post, too, but have had no luck figuring that one out yet! I'm sure I'll get it when I have more time to devote to it... maybe in 20 years?? You can enjoy the pictures here and check back for updates (bookmark the site).

It's amazing how much fun kids can have with bubble wrap!

Here is a family photo inspired by the Phoenix Suns and their playoff hopes.

All of the kids one morning last week.

Luke on the move. He went from slow to zoooom in no time.