Friday, September 13, 2013

2013 Swim lessons


Let's just call it a Roberson tradition......summer swim lessons at the YMCA!



This was Gage's first time.  I waited until he was old enough to be in the preschool class same as I did with Keaton.  I think I took a mommy and me baby class with Cort, but quickly discovered that was a waste of money. 

So far so good.  I had told Gage to listen to his teacher and follow instructions.  I knew from experience I was going to be a nervous wreck on the side lines.  The preschool classes always make me so nervous!!! 

They have them all sitting on the side of the pool.  The lifeguards do a great job, but we are dealing with 3 year olds people!  Gage has no fear!!  I told him in advance he couldn't get in the water except with the teacher.  The very first class, the teacher jumped in the water and so did Gage right after her!!   During the first class he jumped, fell, slipped in three times!  And no, the kids don't have floats, and they can't touch.


After the first day, they break into smaller groups.  There was one teacher to 4 small kids in Gage's group.  While the teacher is with one kid, the others just hang on the wall.  This is enough to give me a heart attack every time his little hand came off the wall.  Of course, Gage was having a great time playing and putting his face in the water.
 

Boat day!!!  I like this day.  I can relax a little because he is wearing a life jacket. 
What a cutie!!!!
They put them in the boat and then dump them out in the water.   They teach the proper position to sit in the water with your life jacket and call for help.


Gage loved the big slide at the deep end.  He really did great and made a lot of progress with his swimming.  Keaton and Cort could swim unassisted by 5 years old, but Gage may be swimming next summer!  It helps to have two older brothers to follow.
Every summer since they turn 3 we take one session of swim lessons. So seven summers for Keaton and five for Cort. 

I realized this year what great swimmers Keaton and Cort are.  So good that they really don't need any further lessons.  They pretty much received private lessons this time because they were so far advanced from the other kids in their class.  They worked on technique a lot and the different swim strokes.  I was truly impressed with both of them.


I thought it would be easier if all three were in lessons at the same time, but because I was so intently watching Gage most of the time, I barely got to enjoy watching Keaton and Cort swim.

Next spring we are considering Swim team. 

Daddy's new toy



After waiting so patiently, Mark's new toy finally arrived in July!!!

This kid's love daddy's new truck!

Gage thinks it is his new truck. 

One day we came home from daycare and the truck was gone.  Gage said, "Where is my truck?  Daddy can't take my truck!"

It was long overdue.  Mark drove my Sebring for years before he bought the Accord from his dad.  He has wanted a truck for so long, but was even willing to sacrifice so the family could get a new suburban.  After putting a new car purchase off for a year I told him he deserves a new truck for all his hard work and sacrifice for his family.  The family Tahoe will just have to last a little longer.

We took our first road trip in it to Gilmer in September.  A memorable/miserable trip there.  Cort was sick and threw up 4 out of the 5 hour drive.  We all survived, even the truck.

Fourth of July

Every year our neighborhood has a Fourth of July parade and gathering at one of the parks.  It is a simple yet fun time for the kids.  

Gage ready for the parade rocking his Mohawk!

This kid's had fun decorating this bike and scooter at the library this year with Aunt Kerrie.

The kids had fun on the water slide at the park before enjoying a snow cone with our buddy Cooper.

Gage loves the big cow!!!

Complete with canon.

My Boys go to Preteen Camp




Love this smile!!!  It is hard to get a good smile out of Keaton, but here you can see he was super excited about going to camp!

Mark went too as a sponsor!!! And Keaton's best buddies Jaden and .....
Levi!

No, Gage you have to stay home with Mommy!!!



Keaton was so excited about Mark going to camp this year with him!!! 

Gage was sad to say good-bye.



All packed up and ready to go.

Let's load them up!

Ok, one more silly face first.

Gage waving bye!
 


 
Have a safe trip!


Taking notes in breakout sessions!

Keaton said the best thing about camp was the pool!


Crazy game time!

Free time on the lake.

Love the socks daddy!  Mark took them to embarrass Keaton, but it didn't phase him!! 
 
Mark, Joshua, Keaton

Settling into their cabin.
Levi's nap time.

Dancing on the ceiling.

Fellow campers including Stephen and Elijah

Glad to see you woke up and looking refreshed!

K and Daddy having a great time!


Crazy 10 years old.
Elijah Joshua, Hunter, and Jaden

Mark was a sponsor for Levi, Keaton, Jaden, and Nathan Barnard.

Worship time.
I know camp was always a special time when I was a kid.  I can't wait to re-visit that myself when I go next year with Keaton and Cort!!!