CANNONBALL!

It took a long time. There was a lot of stress, and conflict, and tears, and delays, and cursing. But your Mommy and I took matters into our own hands, inspired by and FOR you guys. We didn't want to miss another summer of swimming. And <clap> We <clap> DID IT!

So Jump on in! The water's fine! We now have our very own swimming pool!!! 

And we've been swimming nearly every day- with each other...with friends and neighbors and family...just before a tornado warning and just after a giant thunderstorm knocked a tree into our backyard. 

We've had to learn how to care for a pool and treat it with chemicals and fix a Gordo.

We've had plenty of time with cousins and friends.

We've jumped into cold water and bath water, in the morning, in the night. 

We've scrubbed the walls, and rescued bees and frogs.

You've worn socks and swim shoes and our goggles melted in the sun.

But nothing, nothing, nothing has stopped our fun!

It was a boyhood dream of mine to have a pool. And I'm so glad I get to realize that dream with you two and mommy!

We did it!

The first day there was water in it we told you guys you could put your feet in. 

Within minutes, you were first in Julia. And then before you knew it, we were All in! And we haven't hardly gotten out since!

It's been a splashing good summer so far swimming in our pool before and after dinner, playing (and making up) games (including Math Splash, Rhyme Time, Donkey Kong, Grand-mama, Freeze Dance, Ninja Jump, Mr. Fox Mr. Fox What time is it, and Safari). And I can't wait to get home and jump in with y'all again!

Julia's Performance Piece

After Aidan and I got back from a weekend doing some Hiking Laser Bearing, and Julia and Mommy got back from a weekend at Yaya and Baba's, the two kids were ready to get back to hanging out and being together.

You two quickly got to business, wrestling, talking, catching up, and doing some creative works outside on the deck. 

Aidan, you and I were pretty wiped out from our weekend in the woods, but Julia, you got an AMAZING burst of energy, agency, and creativity.

You ran into the house, emerged in a costume...

...brought one for Aidan...

 ...and then hopped in a tree before crashing on mommy's lap and watching what happened next with as much wonder and amazement as the rest of us...

For about 45 minutes, Julia, you conceptualized, practiced, practiced, and repeated your production over and over and over again.

"1, 2, 3...follow me...march this way...girls curtsy, boys bow. Follow me. 1, 2, 3"

We watched in amazement as you perfected your performance, and then willingly joined in as you invited us to the stage.

Your creativity, your passion, your energy on full display. You are a magical fairy butterfly, Julia. And I pray that you never forget that. 

Muddy Buddies

What do you do when there is a mountain in your backyard? You climb it!

What do you do when there is a tractor in the backyard? You climb in!

And what do you do when said tractor removes said mountain, and all you're left with is a half-finished pool and a lot of dirt?

YOU MAKE MUD!

Both of your abilities to commune with your world, and find something fun and creative to do no matter the circumstances- even if things get dirty- amaze me.

So keep having fun, keep playing in the mud, and keep making a mess!


(outside)