Pretty Girl

Ballet Class

First let me say that "Oh my gosh..my little baby is growing up way too fast! It's killing me!Okay, about ballet class. Alexa was very excited to go and she looked beautiful. The girl really knows how to work a camera..scary. So we got to class, in she went and you are not allowed to see in the room so I had no idea what was happening but it sounded like they were all having a great time. Then class ends and out they come and Alexa says " I'm not going in there again." Oh no! What could have happened? So on the drive home after a bit of prodding she says to me, "Mom, Ms. Brienna was teaching us so many new things and I was terrible at all of them." Oh, break my heart. So I tell her how nobody knows what they are doing the first day of any class and each time it will get easier and more fun. I tried to tell her about when I took sewing class and was overwhelmed and unsure I could do it and that in the end it all worked out etc.. So she says, " Mom, I'm just waiting to get home." So I am going to chalk this up to a couple of things. One, I'm not sure her expectations of what dance class would be like really was what she ended up experiencing. Second, she had a long day of swim lessons as well as this class and was really tired. Third, I think she is finally in two activities were what is asked of her is not optional and she is having to deal with some control issues. She is very independent and often feels as if she has a choice about most things and these are two things(swim and dance) where she is having to really push herself. I think it will be a tough but good summer for her to stretch herself and learn some things about herself. I am proud of her for not quiting(she rarely gives up on anything). During swim lessons today she was ticked off because Coach Laura "let" her go under the water. She was not happy and let us know it. She finished the lesson though in tears but did not quit. She is a trooper. It will be interesting to see how she feels next week about going to dance. I hope she gives it her best shot and likes it.

Cute conversation

Alexa and I were sitting on our front porch swing tonight after dinner and had this conversation.

Alexa : " You always wanted a girl like me."

Me: " I sure did and I got you." " How did you come to me?"

Alexa: " First I was in Jesus' heart, then I went to your heart and then I just popped out of your mouth."

I just cracked up.

Let the swimming begin!!!!!!!!!!!

Water wings with mommy...baaaaaad!


Swim lessons with Coach Laura....gooood!



Today Coach Laura came over for Alexa's first swim lesson. She will come twice a week for 5 weeks. She is awesome and Alexa did well. She did almost everything Coach Laura asked her to do. We need to practice every day. First thing she told me was to get rid of those water wings. Okay...in the garbage they go.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

This is one of my favorite photos from our first days together as a family. You were so nervous about being a dad and you rocked it from day one. You are a great dad. We love you!

Our visit to the farm

Alexa and I just returned from a vacation to my parents farm in Marengo, Illinois. We had a great time.

Alexa with her 3rd cousin Riley.

With Conner and Riley.

Hanging out with Great Grandma GiGi.

Alexa is quite the cook. She can make a salad from start to finish by herself. She helped Papa pick the lettuce from his garden.

My friend Kim came out for the day. We have been friends since 4th grade and it was great to see her. Alexa loves group hugs and couldn't let Kim leave without one.


With Papa

Looking cute.

Meeting her "big girl" cousins April and Krystin. She had a great time with them!


Meeting her Great Grandma Adeline for the first time. This was very special for us.

In Papa's garden.

Papa sure is silly.

Playing with PohPoh.

Exploring in the rain.

Our visit was great and we'll be back again. Thanks Mom and Dad for a nice vacation!