Pump It Up!

Today we went to Pump It Up with our friends Jenna and Jay. We had never been before and the only thing Alexa would go on was the big slide. She did not want anything to do with the bouncers. Maybe next time. We had fun. Alexa mostly went down with me, once with Jenna and once by herself...super fast!!

Then she got pooped out ( we have been so crazy busy lately) and wanted to go home early. It was a fun playdate.

Swim Lessons III

Okay, I promise. These are the last swim pics I will post. :)

I just had to show you my baby on the floor of the pool with her instructor. Alexa is working so hard. We are so proud of her!

p.s Coach Matt is a Marine, served 2 tour of duties in Iraq. His job was pulling soldiers out of the water who were in trouble, onto his Zodiac, so needless to say we trust him with Alexa.

Swim Lessons II

Alexa is doing awesome in her swimming lessons. She has 4 more lessons left and will have a new teacher ,Coach Matt, for the remainder. While she still doesn't "love" going under water she tolerates it and doesn't freak out any more. She has learned so much, I'm actually amazed at what they can teach her in such a short amount of time. I think (hope) by the end of the month she will be swimming on her own.

Ballet Class II

Today we got to watch dance class through the glass. I love seeing you learning new things and enjoying yourself. You make my heart sing. These are the moments I dreamed about. During the long, often painful road that led me to you, I would think about taking you to dance class, doing your hair, reading to you, all the simple things that now bring me such joy. Those dreams got me through the tough times. You are my dream come true.

Party Time

Today we went over to our friend's house here in Tonto Hills. Gary and Sharon invited the gang over to hang out, eat and swim. We have a wonderful group that we get together with and they are like family. We love them!

Alexa looking sassy.

My little minnie-me.

Hanging poolside with the girls, Sharon, Tina, me and Alexa.

Bonding with Sharon.

Sitting with Scott.

She had so much fun in the pool with Sharon.

"Swimming with the mans." she said. We cracked up. She loves being in the action.

With Gary.

She had a blast. Thanks to all our friends who love our daughter...it means a lot to us to have you in her life and ours.

Rain Rain Don't Go Away

We love rain in the desert! Finally after like 80 days, we got our first Monsoon rain. Alexa thought it was fantastic too and ran inside to get her umbrella.


Of course she got soaking wet and that was the funnest part. We get pretty severe lighting so at one point Robert and I just looked at each other and Robert says.."Hmm, maybe she shouldn't be out there." Good idea.



When your dad is the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Dept., you have to be trained and ready at all times. 10-4

The desert is so beautiful when it rains and it smells wonderful.

Playdate

Alexa: "Hi Jay. I'm glad you could come over."
Jay: "Yeah, me too."

Alexa: "Hey look at this flower."
Jay: "No thanks."



Alexa: "Come on! Look at it."
Jay: "Yikes, I'm outta here."



Alexa: "Jay, you're being difficult."
Jay: "Take it easy.



Alexa:" Boys"
Jay:" Girls"


Today we had a playdate with Jay and mom Jenna. Jay and Alexa were in class last year and became buddies. The kids had soooo much fun. They played outside, had lunch, visited the tortoises and played in the playroom. It was a fun day. : )

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!