Movin' Up

I was so proud of Cole today-he passed his beginning survival level in swimming! He can now float on his back alone and "swim" underwater about three or four feet to the side of the pool and pull himself out. After he passed it off he got to ring a big bell in the pool area and everyone cheered for him; he looked to proud. He also stood on a little step and they put his ribbon over his neck while everyone cheered. He had the cutest smile on his face when he heard everyone clap for him. After his lessons he likes to play in the practice pool, a smaller circular pool with a step that goes all the way around. I told him he had to stay on the step or on his noodle, so he was swimming around on the noodle until he saw another kid go into the middle of the pool by himself. I totally saw a determined look in his eyes and told him no, but he proceeded to walk off the step into the deeper part of the pool. I ran over to get him, but luckily one of the swim teachers pulled him up first. He was unphased, but he totally freaked me out. I had a feeling he would try to pull something like that because he is getting a little overly confident. When I took him swimming earlier this week he totally cracked me up and told me, "I am a big boy and can swim by myself. You go over there and I will swim over here" pointing to the other side of the pool. He really wanted to just go off and swim by himself. He does the most hilarious "swan" dives from the steps where he just falls forward with his arms to the side and the hugest smile on his face. He loves swimming to me from the steps and then swimming the four feet back to the steps. He used to be so cautious, but now he gets mad when I catch him. He just floats forward on his stomach with his little toosh in the air or tries to do a little dog paddle to me. Now he is moving up the the intermediate survival and will work on rolling from his back to stomach and diving into the water. Definitely a huge step up from where he was three months ago; hopefully by next summer he will be swimming the pool completely by himself.

Mini-mom

This week Cole discovered a diaper bag I had gotten from work; the kind that has all the coupons and samples in it. He was pretty intrigued, and decided to try everything out on his monkey Cheryl. Yes, he has a monkey named Cheryl. He is so into "wild" animals right now, and we name all of the new additions to his collection. I don't know where he ever heard the name Cheryl, but when I asked him what his monkey's name should be he quickly blurted out "Cheryl". So anyways, Cole decided that he was going to diaper, feed and burp, and read to Cheryl. It was pretty cute to see him try to put the diaper on; pretty hard for a three year old, but he was successful with some assistance. After Cheryl finished her bottle, I told Cole he had to burp her. He melted my heart when he leaned the monkey up against his shoulder and gently patted her back. I think he is going to be a good helper when he finally gets to be a big brother.

First Day of School

Yesterday was an exciting day for us, the first day of school for Cole and Derek! Cole is going to Happy Apple Preschool two days a week for 2 1/2 hours, and he really seemed to love his first day. He looked so cute with his backpack on, which is wider than him! Little twerp wasn't even nervous when he went, just took the teachers hand and strutted right in. He is going to love having so many new friends, especially girlfriends, little flirt. He was so proud of his projects when I picked him up. Aterwards we went to Costco with my mom, and he was prancing around quite pleased with himself. I just wish his school were closer, it is about 25min away, but I have heard so many good things about it we decided to give it a try. Derek started orientation today but its too early yet to get a feel for things. UPS just delivered his books to the door, so the marathon of studying will officially begin.

San Antonio

Since we had driven so far, it would be crazy not to tour San Antonio before heading back to Az. We were determined to see The Riverwalk, the Alamo, and of course the zoo for Cole. The Riverwalk is a very pretty area downtown along the San Antonio river lined with hotels and shopping. We ate breakfast at the Westin on the Riverwalk, and then did some exploring. Cole was so excited to take his first boat ride along the river, but it was a little long and hot to hold his attention the entire time. We had a very enjoyable morning at the Riverwalk, but wow it is humid in San Antonio.
I didn't realize how many historic buildings are in downtown San Antonio and they are quite beautiful, and of course we had to visit the Alamo. I am definitely not a history buff, but it was interesting to learn how the sacrifice of those at the Alamo inspired so many changes in our nation. Since I was busy chasing an active three year old who wasn't too impressed, I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked. Regretfully I had made a promise to Cole that morning that we would go to the zoo before I realized how hot and miserable it was going to be. Of course he did not forget, and he had been so good the entire trip he definitely needed a little treat. Luckily the San Antonio Zoo is only a fraction of the size of the Phoenix zoo, so we were able to see all the animals pretty quickly. Cole was excited to see a real snow leopard like in Kung Foo Panda and was excited to see a "smellican" (pelican). Cole loves maps, especially zoo maps, and he had to make sure we had seen every animal on the map. When we told him it was time to leave he said, "Let me see the map, Well we didn't see the big horn sheep." He had to make sure we really saw all the animals. By the time we left the zoo we were so ready to head back to the valley. One thing I have to say about Texans is they definitely have pride in their state. Texas flags are everywhere, we were suprised to even find Texas flags on the back of our fast food wrappers and I was served waffles in the shape of Texas. I think we could use a little more state pride here because of course Az is the best! After another 14 hours of driving and 1000 miles we happily arrived back in the valley this afternoon.
What a long and exciting week. I just have to say how proud I am of Cole. It was such a long drive, and he had such a good attitude and was such a trooper. The entire long trip he didn't complain once, he was patient in the back reading books, playing with the hoards of toys we brought and watching his favorite DVDs. He is such a sweetheart and his great attitude made this long week even easier.

Goodbye Florida...Hello Arizona!!

This week has probably been one of the craziest, and one of the best for our family. The week started out with our preparations to drive Derek to Jacksonville, Florida (2000 miles) to start law school. Cole and I planned to drive out and stay a week and fly back on 8/13. Well anyways, our departure was delayed from Monday until Tuesday because tropical storm/possible hurricane Eduard was expected to hit the east Texas, Louisana coast on Tuesday morning, and we would be driving right through it. Tuesday we had a very late start; we did not get on the I-10 until 4pm, but we managed to make it to El Paso, Texas by midnight. After a few terrible hours sleep in a Motel 6 with no working A/C and scratchy blankets, we set off Wednesday morning for San Antonio or Baton Rouge. People aren't kidding when they say there is nothing in west Texas. In the 450 miles between El Paso and San Antonio we passed a few towns, but it was mainly a flat two lane interstate with nothing around. You gotta love the 80 mph speed limit. I must admit it is a lot greener than the valley, and was a pretty drive for an Arizonan, but very long nonetheless. We pulled into San Antonio at 6pm (Arizona time) and we were relieved to have hit the 1000 mile halfway point. In our search for the cheapest hotels we were pleased to discover a Super 8 that was a huge step up from the previous night; it was very clean with a working A/C and soft blankets! It was this night when we received a phone call that would literally change so much for our family. Derek came upstairs with the luggage and asked me, "Do you want to go home." I didn't understand what he was talking about, and then he told me that he just hung up with the Dean of Admissions from Phoenix Law, and she just offered him a seat for this fall semester. I just broke down crying; I had been dreaming about this happening, but I didn't think it really would. It is such an answer to many prayers. We made some ecstatic calls to the family that night; Cole was excited, but he didn't really understood why. He kept hugging me and saying "I am so excited you are here!" This is such a blessing for our family, I just can't say how excited we are. Even if it took driving half-way across the country, it was definitely worth it!!!