Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming...

The boys love to spend their whole summer in the pool.  So, we always try to do swim lessons in the summer in the hopes that they will learn more about swimming and be safer in the pool.  Sometimes we add in some lessons in the winter or spring to keep everything fresh during the cold months.  Since  joined the YMCA this summer, we decided to test out their two week lesson series for the boys.

Since the preschool lessons were for ages 3-5, both boys were in the same lessons, except they split them into ability groups.  The boys were happy to go to the lessons-what little boy doesn't want to go to the pool?  We would always go a little early so that they could play around a little before the lessons started.  Benny roamed around in the shallow end and tried out the little polar bear slide.  Evan usually hung out in the deep end, swimming back and forth underwater from one ladder to the other and occasionally jumping off the side.  (He was very proud when he and his friend Nathan managed to jump off the side 100 times on another day.)

When lessons started, they took the boys off and did a quick assessment.  Evan ended up in the higher group while Benny was with the beginners.  Evan continually kept his goggles on his face while Benny preferred playing with them, throwing them into the pool, swinging them around his head, etc.  Guess he needs a little more time before he's used to them.

Our first day of lessons went great.  Our second day of lessons was going great, until there were about 5 minutes left.  I took my phone and did a short video of Evan swimming along the wall.  He was doing great and using real strokes.  Then, I looked over at Ben and he was sitting on the edge waiting for his turn.  He was being a little silly, so I decided to get a little silly video of Benny.  I was taping from across the pool, so everything was a little grainy and I couldn't quite tell what he was doing.

After a few minutes of filming what I thought was Ben being cute and goofy, I noticed that he was starting to look upset.  I ran over there, and he was crying.  I looked down, and his leg was covered with vomit.  Some of said vomit and gone into the pool.  I whipped Benny out and took him over to the shower to wash him off, but the damage was done.  The entire pool had to be closed and cleaned due to the "contamination issue".  That meant that all further lessons that night were cancelled.  Ben was so upset that we couldn't really get out of him what had happened.  We assumed he had just swallowed too much water.  Then, in the car on the way home, the truth came out-he had been bored and stuck his finger down his throat...sigh.  I think he learned his lesson, when Ian asked him about it during bath time, Ben told him that he would definitely not to it again because it landed on his leg and was yucky.  Let's just hope he's right about that.

Well, I was a little nervous about going back, but fortunately, the rest of our lessons went well and uneventfully.  Evan did really well.  He's trying to prepare for swim team this summer because he really wants to try it.  He can do freestyle great when he's next to the wall, but he grabs the wall every time he has to breathe.  I think his stroke really improved during lessons, but he still needs to work on the breathing.

Ben also learned a lot and did very well.  He practiced kicking, using his "ice cream scoop hands", and then doing them together while he was floating in the noodle.  He just needs to work a little bit on being able to put his face underwater and closing his mouth while doing it.

Well, now we're ready for summer, but I'm not sure that it's ready for us...bring it on!

(My little boys waiting for their swim lessons to start.)

(swimmer one and swimmer two)

(Evan does some great swimming along the wall.)

(The moment when Ben gets a bit too silly.)

Over the Freeway and Through the Woods

Ever since we moved here about 10 years ago, Ian and I have spent a lot of time on the American Tobacco Trail.  It's a trail running through Durham that was built on old railroad tracks.  We checked it out many years ago when we were working up to doing our first 5K.  It's where I trained with Bob for my first marathon.  We've pushed the double stroller many a mile on it.  The boys have learned how to ride their bikes on another section, and Ian has even biked on it to get to work.

However, there was always one problem with the Tobacco Trail-the two main parts of the trail were separated by I-40 in the middle.  This meant that we could either go on the southern route from a park about a mile from our house that would take us down into the woods of Wake County.  Or, we could drive about 5 miles to the other side of the freeway, park, and hop on the trail there.  Bob and I had to go five miles out of our way on our marathon runs to run to the trail on the other side of the freeway.

We always wished that both parts of the trail would connect.  So, we were so excited when we saw construction finally start on a bridge across the freeway.  Whenever I would drive the boys to school we would watch the progress of the construction as we drove by on the freeway.  Unfortunately, it was slow progress.  The completion of the bridge kept getting delayed and delayed.

Finally, in February, the bridge and the surrounding connecting trails were finally complete.  We could hop on our bikes at our house and bike all the way to downtown Durham!  Well, we haven't gone quite that far yet, but we've been out several times already to check out the new bridge.  We drove down to Herndon Park, about a mile from our house, and let the boys ride around a little on their bikes.  Now, from that point, it's about 3 miles to the bridge, so the boys can't quite make it that far and back yet.  So, after they rode around a little, we met up with our friends Bob and Liz, stuffed the kids and LOTS of snacks in the bicycle trailer and off we rode.  It was a fun ride because it took us past the mall and all of the nearby shops.  On top of the bridge we let the kids out of their ride and let them watch the cars pass by on the freeway below.  They thought it was great fun that they could get cars and trucks to honk that them as they passed.  On one of our rides we continued on to get some gelato.  It's great now that we can get to some actual destinations on the trail.

Next time we'll head back with Evan on his bike.  We think he could make it to the bridge and the nearby donut shop if he really tried. So, we'll take the trailer, let both boys ride as long as they can, put Benny in the trailer and strap his bike on the back when we gets tired, and see how far we get.  Who knows where we'll end up!!

(my boys biking on the trail)

(finally on top of the bridge)

Merry

Sometimes in your life someone comes along and reminds you of some of the best things in life just by being there...

Take a little time to just relax....

Enjoy the finer things in life...

Taking a nap is good for your health...

Just have some fun...

You're beautiful just the way you are...

Sometime's you just need to strike a pose...

Having a few favorite things can make you happy...

If you look like you're deep in thought, maybe people will believe you...

Life's better with a good friend...

Get out there, get some fresh air, and feel the wind in your hair...

Be grateful for what you have, especially family!

Thanks for giving us some wonderful years Merry dog and showing us what it means to truly enjoy where you are and be grateful for what you have and those around you!  You will be missed!

Beyond Scuba Diving

We spent a week in the beautiful paradise of St. Lucia, and we definitely spent some time diving.  However, there was lots more fun to be had....

We hiked...the first day we were there we noticed this huge hill with a fort on it of to one side of the resort.  I did a little research and discovered that the hill was Pigeon Island and the fort was Fort Rodney.  Apparently, it used to be an island next to St. Lucia where the British guarded against the French.  Recently, they connected the island to St. Lucia and build the Sandals where we stayed on the little spit of land in between the island and the "mainland" of St. Lucia.  So, one afternoon we walked about 5 minutes down to Pigeon Island and hiked up to Fort Rodney and this higher hill beyond that.  It was a fun, steep at times hike, and boy, were there some amazing views up at the top.  We just stood up there at the top of world and soaked it all in-beautiful!

(a view of our resort from the top)

(queen of the world)

(the happy couple)

We sailed...Well, on this one I have to say it was mainly Ian that did the sailing.  He would go out at least once a day and try his hand at sailing around the bay.  I went out with him once and had a great time whizzing through the waves.  I was a little nervous about him bumping in to one of the boats in the harbor but he managed to navigate me safely back to shore.

(the sailboats)

(out for a sail)

We drove...When you stay at Sandals you can pay to go on these extra excursions and adventures.  They had lots to choose from, and we chose an ATV ride around the island.  Neither of us had ever ridden an ATV before, so we were excited to try it.  There were about 10 of us in the tour group.  We arrived, they gave us a few instructions and a hair net and helmet, and we were off.  I was a little nervous about the whole thing because they put me in front right behind the tour guide.  However, I was determined to hold my own, so I just watched the tires of the guide in front of me and tried to keep up.  I figured if she could get up that rocky hill then I could too.  We drove through some beautiful scenery, stopped at a beach for a little break, and even had some fun speeding a little on the way back.  Ian said it was fun but made him just a bit nervous, I guess it's a little like diving for me.  I was a little glad to finally find something that made Ian a little nervous.

(taking a quick photo break)

(at our stop on the beach)

We relaxed...of course, there was plenty of time for just relaxing.  The resort was on the beach and had several lovely pools and jacuzzis for our lounging needs.  Of course there were a few bars scattered in the pools including one actually in one of the pools.  The hard part was snagging a lounge chair before other people got to them and grabbed all the prime real estate before we could find one, but after some looking we managed to find one each day.  I loved camping out and just having the chance to read my book.  My favorite beverage to enjoy while I was lounging was a miami vice-pina colada mixed with strawberry daquiri, and they'd bring it to you while you relaxed.  Oh, and the massage I got one day out in a lovely garden didn't hurt with the whole relaxing thing.

(what paradise looks like)

(the perfect place for some relaxing)

(pool view)

(view from our room)

(Ian poses on the beach)

(enjoying the sunset)

(yep, still a happy couple)

We ate...Oh my did we eat.  We had been looking forward to the food and it didn't disappoint.  There were so many restaurants to choose from and so many of them were delicious.  Ian's favorite meal was actually the first one we ate there at a place called Barefoot by the Sea where we actually ate with our toes in the sand.  He had some ceviche and snapper and loved it.  My favorite meal was later in the week when we actually took a drive down to one of the other Sandals resorts on the island.  It was a restaurant called Kelly's Dockside out on a pier in the ocean.  The views were beautiful and I had a delicious seafood sampler and steak.  We ate at a British pub, an Italian restaurant, a poolside buffet, and a crepe and pizza stand.  We were not lacking in the food department.

(waiting to be seated at one of our dinners)

(the view and I from Kelly's Dockside)

We swam...While I was there, I knew I had to at least do some practicing for the triathlon I signed up to do in a few weeks.  So, they had a beach that was sheltered from the majority of the waves and roped off from the boats.  I figured that would be a great place to practice some open water swimming, so I would jump in and swim back and forth.  I might not have been fast, but I didn't think I did too bad.  At the end of each swim I would be tasting a bit of salt water, but that was quickly alleviated by a trip to the bar and another one of those delicious miami vices, HA!

We flew...Finally, it was time to go home.  We were both so sad to go and are already trying to figure out a time to go back as soon as possible.  We had to get to the airport, but I definitely didn't want to do the 90 minute windy drive again, so we were excited to take the helicopter.  We drove the short drive to the small airport where we would meet the helicopter and waited a few minutes for it to arrive.  Then, we hopped in.  Ian and I even got the front seat next to the pilot.  It was a beautiful experience.  It was a little like we were floating over the island.  There were some amazing views, especially of the mountains.  While it did make my stomach drop a few times, it was still an amazing experience.  Plus, we got to the airport in only about 10 minutes.

(the helicopter arrives)

(helicopter selfie)

(the view on the ride)

What a beautiful and amazing trip!  Ian and I had a great time, and it was just the refreshing break that we needed.

(Goodbye beautiful St. Lucia!)

Under the Sea

One of the reasons that we decided to go to St. Lucia was because it was a good place to go diving.  We looked at lots of places in the Caribbean and this was the place that had the best mix of diving and relaxing beaches.  While diving always makes me just a little nervous, I was interested to see what it would be like in the Caribbean.  Plus, at Sandals, where we stayed, diving was included with the stay at the resort, so that was a huge deal.

The first full day we were there we went to investigate the diving situation.  We had already missed the big two tank dive for the day, but they had a little dive going out that afternoon, so we decided to tag along.  I took my dramamine and was ready for a long boat ride.  However, we got on the boat, drove for about 30 seconds, and then stopped.  We were there, within sight of the resort.  Guess I could have skipped the motion sickness medicine.  HA!  

Ian helped me get my equipment ready because I'm never quite sure that I can put all the pieces in the right places, and before I knew it it was time to jump in.  It all seemed a bit rushed, but it was probably good because I didn't have time to get nervous.  I put my hand on my regulator and mask to keep it in my mouth and did a giant stride into the ocean.  

Once I made it safely in, we went underwater.  It was beautiful!  There were brightly colored coral, fish of all kinds, and even some eels and lobsters.  I stayed right on the dive master's tail and had a great time looking around.  Before I knew it it was time to come to the surface.  Ian and I both had a lot of fun and we were ready to sign up for more dives.  

We signed up for two big two tank dives later in the week, but as time passed by I got more nervous about the big dives again.  By the time we got to the boat that morning, I had butterflies.  The boat ride that day was supposed to be about an hour, so I was definitely glad for the dramamine that time.  On the way down there, past some beautiful mountainous views, I learned that I would be diving with three dive masters and other really, really experienced divers.  We would also be going to 60 ft. down, deeper than I had ever gone before.  I was so worried that I would be the one that ruined the dive and made everyone come to the surface early.  However, right before we got there, I saw a big rainbow on the horizon, and I took that as a good luck sign.

Again, once we got there, we had to hustle and hop in the water, under the looming shadow of a huge rock cliff.  It was a beautiful scene.  Underwater was just the same.  The cliff wall was covered in a beautiful reef.  We just cruised a long looking at all the wildlife trying to find creatures hidden in the coral.  I just kept thinking that this wasn't an experience I would be able to have very often and I'd better enjoy it.  I did try not to look up though.  I didn't want to really realize exactly how far under water I was.  I also started to get pretty cold.  So, at the end of the dive I was just floating there shivering, probably because I didn't have a wet suit that fit me properly.  

After that dive, I was sitting on the boat shivering as we drove to the next site.  I didn't know if I would be able to go back down.  However, I gradually warmed back up, and by the time the second dive rolled around I figured I would give it another try.  Plus, Ian let me borrow his diving cap which helped me stay much warmer.  The second dive was equally beautiful with schools of fish swimming everywhere around you, and I was so proud of myself when I made it back on the boat.  

Ian really loves diving, and I am thrilled to be able to enjoy it with him.  While I decided not to go out on the second two tank dive a few days later I was so glad I was able to join Ian on this part of the trip.  Stay tuned for more tales of our adventures in paradise!

(happy divers after the first day)

(my good luck symbol before our big dives)

(our first dive location on our two tank dive)

(after a successful day of diving)

Where to Start?

Ian and I had been looking forward to this week for a LONG time.  When we were sitting in Durham snowed and iced in, we didn't really believe it was possible that just a few days later we would be basking in the sun and sand on a beautiful Caribbean island, but that's what we had planned.

Of course, before the trip, I worried.  I worried that we wouldn't be able to make it out of Durham because of the weather.  I worried that someone would get sick and we would have to cancel our trip.  However, after we dropped the boys off at Gram and Gramps' house in Charlotte, we were actually on our way to the airport.  Then, of course, I worried about the flight, I always worry about the flight.  I took my medicine, and then I worried that my medicine wouldn't work.  However, the plane took off and traveled to our destination uneventfully and my medicine did indeed keep me just a little more relaxed.

Then, we landed, we were in sunny St. Lucia.  Once we made it through customs there was a van waiting for us to take us to our beautiful hotel which was on the other side of the island.  Ian's cousin Melissa had been to the same resort.  She said that it was a long and winding drive to the resort and we might consider taking the helicopter to get there.  We sort chuckled and thought that a helicopter ride sounded pretty excessive.  However, the drive got longer, and as we went through the mountains it got windier.  My stomach started to get more and more unhappy.  After about 90 minutes of sitting with my arm on the seat in front of me and a rather green look on my face we arrived on the north west coast of St. Lucia at the Sandals Grande resort, our destination for the week.  We were glad to be there, and suddenly, the helicopter ride back didn't seem nearly as excessive.

When we got there, we immediately entered a beautiful open air lobby.  They sat us in some comfortable chairs, offered us a warm towel and a glass of champagne, and told us to wait for someone to check us in.  That's when the wonderful service started and didn't stop until we walked out of the resort and hopped into the car at the end of the week.  We were so well taken care of!  At that point in our arrival I wasn't feeling so hot, but as the tropical breezes worked on me I started to feel better and better every second.

Once they had stowed us and our luggage safely in our room we decided to head out and search for a bite to eat.  It was all so beautiful.  All of the colors in St. Lucia were so bright that they looked just a little unreal.  We wandered over to the bar and got ourselves a couple of frozen beverages-I think mine was a lime margarita.  We then moved over to a restaurant called Barefoot by the Sea and ate our first dinner in paradise with our toes in the sand.  We had 3 relaxing, delicious courses, and started to unwind a little.

While I don't think I ever really relaxed until about Wednesday of that week, I was definitely happy to be there.  It was so nice to have a week of uninterrupted time with Ian ahead of me.  It was an absolutely wonderful week, and I have so many pictures and adventures to share.  In fact, since we've been back I haven't been able to stop having St. Lucia dreams.  So, stay tuned to hear what I keep dreaming about...

(The view as the sun set on our first day)

(Trying to throw off some of the stress and worry)

(Looking a little stressed and queasy, but getting better every second)

(Sunset in our flip flops-the start of a wonderful week!)

Big Boys at the Mall

My boys have frequented the play area at the nearby Southpoint Mall as long as they've been alive.  In fact, Evan and Ben were both crawling around among all of the slides, tunnels, and sculptures before they could walk.  For several years we would head to the mall with Evan's playgroup and get a picture of all of the kiddos together in the same boat sculpture once a year to see how the kids had grown.

Well, let's not leave out the younger brothers.  Ben and Jonas, two younger brothers from the playgroup have also had plenty of fun at the mall play area.  They sat in their car seats while their big brothers played until they were old enough to join in.  Then, they started having their own fun.  Now, their older brothers have almost outgrown that play area and Ben and Jonas are rapidly getting there themselves. However, a few weeks ago, Ben and Jonas proved they could still have quite a bit of fun there, and we snapped a few photos to document how big even the little brothers are getting!

(Ben and Jonas posing with two of their first girlfriends at the mall play area in 2011.)

(Oh, how times have changed.  The pictures of these two are all blurry because they're moving so fast.  How'd they get so big?!)