Solo Swim

Evan had his first solo swim lesson today. He had a few things working against him, rain and five kids in the class instead of four, but he did great! There were two little kids that were all over the place, completely distracted and off task, but no criers.

When Evan got out of the pool he said, "Mama, I did everything my teacher said." I of course said, "Yes you did!" Only to glance over my shoulder and see the mom of the son who was not on task. She says, "He was the best behaved. Isaac, you should hang out with Evan." Oh, my heart just swelled with love and pride. I don't think there is a greater feeling as a teacher to know that your child is well behaved even when you are not in charge. Granted I was ten feet away, but it still feels good.

He grew so much in these two weeks of classes, so proud of him!

It looks like I am being a helicopter mom in these videos, but I promise I used the zoom feature on the camera:)

At the beginning of the summer he didn't like to put his head in the water. I was amazed that he recovered so quickly from this accidental and unexpected face dip.

Evan and Ela (not Ella, Ela)

I love that he asks his teacher for help! I tell you, he is a kid after my heart. Love him so much:)

Bike Rider

He was stopping every three seconds on the way to the park, and by the time we got home, he was a pro. Something just clicked, he was finally ready!

Swimming

We are starting our summer off with swim lessons four days a week for four weeks. I know, it seems like a lot, but when it is already 80 degrees or more at 11, it sounds just fabulous! I watched yesterday while Evan and Ben swam, and it is way too hot to do that again.

Evan was able to pick up right where he left off last summer, and today he kicked all over the shallow end with his noodle (no hands from mom or dad), it was awesome! He also let Ben dunk his head. Those that know me, know why that was Ben's job. But, I told Ev if he did it so would I. So, today, I also dunked my head under the water, and it was so refreshing at the time, but very cold as the breeze kicked up during lunch.

We have been sitting by the pool, having lunch, while watching the kids swim without their mommy or daddy because after one more week, he will be going in without us. Wish us luck:)

Evan loves that his teacher, Annie, starts and ends with a song each time.

 He rocks at kicking on his stomach.

 He isn't really a fan of being on his back, as you can see when he grips Ben's hand and holds on for dear life.

 Evan's favorite part of the lesson is when he gets to jump in the pool.

Putting on a Show

Evan loves to dance, but now he is adding singing to the act. Here he is incorporating his new found friend, Fireman Sam.

Birthday Fun!

Evan had a great year, and we sent it out with a bang. He was very lucky to have so many people that he loves at his birthday party this year. Last year we just did family because he wasn't really aware of what the whole party scene was. This year, he was...so bring on the firefighter 3rd birthday. He has been obsessed with all things firefighters, so naturally he chose that as his theme.

 We started the party preparation by making his cake and cupcakes. He really enjoyed adding the food coloring and of course doing his part to clean up:)

 Two very happy Jayhawk fans (thanks for the gear Papa Kirk)!

 The finished product.

 We were insanely lucky to have the only sunny day in a two week stretch. Normally in May an outdoor birthday wouldn't be a problem, but the weather has been so bizarre this year. In the end, it was a nice day. Not hot enough to run through the sprinklers, but the water gun did make an appearance.

 Thank you Trina for the best party game ever, pin the hose on the firefighter!

 Evan's new pirate ship sandbox was also a big hit at the party (thank you Grandma and Papa Mac).

 Cousins! We were so fortunate that all of Evan's cousins were able to party with us, especially since these beauties live seven hours away.

 Evan and his future wife, Lola!

 Lola's mommy Brittany:)

 Lola's daddy, Sol. You will notice shortly that the picture quality drastically improves, that is because the Kammans gave Evan the awesome gift of documenting his party with their great new camera.

And now a few more party guests, starting with Cousin Brynn.

 Cousin Avery

 Jalen

 Taylor

 Grandma Tammy and Kem

 Titi and Kem

 Titi and Kaleya

 Isaiah

 Sydney

 More pictures of Evan and Lola because they are just that cute!

 Alysha writing Evan a birthday message with the 3-D chalk.

 A little rock out session was in order.

 Getting ready for pin the hose on the firefighter.

 Recovering from the blindfold:)

 Passing out goodie bags in preparation for the pinata.

 Evan was pretty sure the candy was just going to start falling any second now...

 It took a little help from daddy, but it finally started falling.

And now, onto cake!

 And presents...he was so genuinely happy with each gift. I love how excited he gets! Now, we just have to find the space for all his new loves!

 This is the last photo of the night, but it was just the beginning of the fun. Pirates continued to invade and run wild until the late evening and we loved every moment of it. Thank you to everyone that made his birthday so special. Here's to a great fourth year too!