Day 2 of Swim Team

Lexi had a much better day at swim team. Avery talked to her about how hard it is in the beginning. She is just starting to tolerate it, but hates being one of the kids that need the most work. She also doesn't like when the coach gives her tips. She thinks it is because the coach thinks she is the worst one on the team. I've told her that the coach's job is to coach all the kids, which she is amazing at.  

Start of Swim Team

Swim team practice started today. Jordan's group went first. Lexi was not sure about this activity even though we signed up with several friends. It is still too cold for swimming in my opinion, so I was glad that I didn't have to.

Lexi and Jordan have been swimming for years, but not properly. It was quite hard, especially after a whole winter of not swimming at all. Lexi is also one of the youngest in her group of 9 -10 year old girls. Most of the kids in her group had been on swim teams at least once, but many were on it for several years. Lexi is used to having things come easy and this was not. She sobbed all the way home and begged me not to make her go again. I told her that this was the perfect opportunity for her to learn that she can do hard things. Fingers crossed that this gets easier!!! 

Horse Riding

This afternoon, after church, we went out to Pam & Ted's house. They are friends of my mom and live about an hour west of us on a big property. They fed us lunch and took the kids out to ride the horse. Pam said that Lexi was a natural, so she let her ride without guidance. Lexi loved every minute of it. In fact, she wants me to drive her out here EVERY DAY. Good dream.

First STAAR Test

This is Lexi's very first week of standardized testing. In Texas, it is called the STAAR Test. Lexi was quite excited about it. Her school did a great job of making them think this was cool. They told her to bring books to read, which she did and spent most of the day reading those. The test was done pretty quickly. She thought it was kind of boring, but was glad not to have to take her backpack or do homework. 

Cheering for Tests

Next week, the kids elementary school has their dreaded standardized testing. This will be Lexi's first year doing it. I told her that I actually like test days, which is true. As a mom, I still love that there isn't any homework.

This is quite silly, but her school had a pep rally today to get the kids excited about the tests. Lexi came up with a cheer and talked a few of her friends into joining her. They tried out and won a spot in the rally, so here it is:

Last Walk with Travis

Grandma & Papa Malcolm are heading back to Montana in a few days. They just got back from Hawaii though, so this was our last walk while taking care of Travis. It was a really sad moment for Lexi and Jordan. They will miss their favorite dog.

Camden's Birthday Party

 

Today, was Camden's birthday party. His family is close friends with us. Camden in the one laying across the kids' laps in the picture above. He is wearing an orange shirt. It was his 10th birthday. 

Easter 2016

While searching for their Easter baskets, the kids happened to look outside and noticed the "You've been Egged" sign. We also had plastic eggs filled with candy throughout the yard. It came from the Second Baptist Church in town, which some of our friends belong too. 

With a little more searching, Lexi and Jordan found their baskets. Lexi's was hidden in the big pantry.

I also gave them a few things like clothes. If you notice the weird patches on the wall, it is because I am painting. The blue/violet color, which was supposed to be a light gray, has gotten a little old for me. It will soon be a nice light yellow. 

Coloring Eggs

Walking Travis

April Fools

This girl wanted to pull a fast one on her classmates today. We wrapped her arm and they completely fell for it. In fact, she had kids helping her with things all day. I think she admitted it to her teacher who just laughed. She continued to milk it all day. She never let the cat out of the bag, but her teacher did at the end of the day.    

Travis Time

Grandma and Papa are in Hawaii right now for the month, so we get to take care of their dog, Travis. Lexi and Jordan already love him, so this is great for them. We have been taking him on several walks a day.