The end of Swim Team

As of last Tuesday, swim team has finally come to an end. I am glad that the kids participated. It was very busy, but they learned a lot, and they have become much more comfortable in the water. The team ended the season 3-3.

On the kids' backs they would write their last name. On their arms they would write their number. That helped the timers keep track of who was who.

Jenna with her markings.


Jenna all decked out for the meet. Gotta love swim caps. :)


The kids always got finisher ribbons at the end of each heat. The main heats, which were the scored heats, got special ribbons indicating their place.

Jenna with one of her ribbons.


Kevin getting ready for a relay


Ready...Set...Go! Kevin dives in as his fellow relay member touches the wall.


Kevin climbing out of the pool after a race.


Kevin post race, with his finishers ribbon in his hand.


At the end of the season, they had an awards assembly. Every swimmer got a team medal. Plus they gave out special awards.

Kevin, Jared, and Jenna waiting for the assembly to begin.


Jenna getting her team medal. Her coaches are in the background. Coach Heather, Coach John (the head coach), and Coach Logan.


Kevin with his team medal.


Jenna and Kevin with their medals.


Kevin got one of the special awards. He got the "I Can" award. It was for having a great attitude. Always being willing to fill in where needed, and always trying hard. He really was great about all of those things during the season.

Kevin with his "I Can" certificate.


Jenna also received a special award. She got the Barracuda award. That was for swimmers who put forth a lot of effort and made huge improvements through the season. She couldn't swim when we started this whole thing, so she has come a long way.

Jenna with her Barracuda trophy

July Happenings

July has been a busy month. We started it in Ohio. We came back, got ready for school, and Kevin and Jenna started the new school year the second week in July (year-round). They are only in for three weeks though, and then they track out. Maybe we can get to the beach one day over track-out. Anyone want to join us? :)

Towards the end of the school year, all of the second graders decorated pizza boxes for a local pizza place. Then we could buy pizza there one night, and they would put it in the kids' boxes (I know, I know, it was a gimmick, but it raised money for our PTA). Kevin loved it. It was a cute fundraiser.

Here is Kevin with his pizza box


Another angle


My parents came for a brief visit the weekend after we got back from Ohio. We decided to walk around the temple while they were here.

The kids and my parents.


Ten days after the end of the 2010-2011 school year, the 2011-2012 school year began.

Kevin on his first day of third grade.


Jenna on her first day of first grade.


Jenna and I had not had our hair cut in over a year. Disgraceful, I know. Anyway, this week we remedied that. Jenna's hair is a bit shorter than we were hoping for, but I think it is cute anyway. Plus, since it will likely be another year before we cut it, I think it's fine. Mine is a bit shorter than I had planned on, so it has taken some getting used to. I am happy to have it cut though.

Jenna's new hair cut.


Amanda's new hair cut.

Independence Day 2011

Kevin and Jenna had the week of July 4th off of school. That is the one week everyone gets off as they transition grades. Because of that we were able to go to Ohio to visit my grandparents. My brother and his family were there as well. We had a great time. I think it was one of the best vacations I have had in a long time. It was very relaxing. I did not want to leave. A big thank you to my family for making this such an awesome vacation. I think this might become a tradition. We missed those who couldn't make it.

My grandparents and two of my uncles and their families live at a lake. For the last several years one of the other lake residents has shot off fire works from his boat while everyone else watches from onshore. He puts on a great show. Plus everyone gets a good seat. :)

Here are the pictures from our trip:

Jared


Mr. Personality. That is a bubble gun. They lit up (perfect for night use), and the kids all loved them.


Jared with the lit bubble gun.


Derek making a s'more.


Jenna making a s'more.


Kevin eating a s'more.


Jenna with her s'more


Kevin watching fireworks (with chocolate evidence of his s'more on his face). :)


Derek and Amanda watching fireworks


Amanda, Grandma (or Great-Grandma to my kids), and Derek


Jared and Derek


Kevin using a sparkler


Jenna using a sparkler


Fireworks


It looks like the boat is exploding, but it isn't. :)


The fireworks were great.


In addition to celebrating the 4th of July, we were also able to play around. We did a lot of fishing, swimming, and playing.

Uncle Joe took everyone tubing. Jared and Jenna on the boat.


Jared on the boat


Jenna tubing


Kevin tubing (yes, he is standing)


Jared swinging at the pinata grandma filled for the kids


Jenna swinging at the pinata


Kevin swinging at the pinata


Jared proudly showing off his stash


Jenna and her stash (the kids loved the pinata)


Jared coloring a mask


Kevin working on his mask (my grandma had lots of fun things for the kids to do)


Aunt Jean has always been the resident braider. She is very good. One night Jenna wanted her hair braided, and Aunt Jean kindly took on the task. Thanks Aunt Jean!


Our family with my grandparents. They are awesome. Thank you so much for the best vacation!