We joined our neighbors and friends for a little potluck lunch once the workshop was over. The kids had a great time playing and wore each other out. Jip and I helped fuel the excitement for Hannah and Angie, as their husbands' 8-month deployment is coming to an end very soon. We are thrilled for them!
On the evening of July 4, we headed to our friends John and Patti's house. They live in the middle of a great neighborhood, so they always get to host holiday festivities. We were lucky enough to tag along again. We enjoyed another great potluck, catching up with our friends, and watching the kids play. RJ and Ry got to play with sparklers for the first time ever. We also lit some fireworks--but don't tell anyone since it is illegal in Virginia Beach to have any. ;)
The kids started swimming lessons at one of the Navy base pools. It was a bit of a rough start, as Ryleigh declared she would not be in a class with a male instructor. Lo and behold--the only class with a male instructor is her class. But there are two females, too. And, by Thursday, she decided that the male instructor was pretty okay. RJ is in a slightly more advanced class, despite that he likes to give up on his backfloat almost as soon as he starts it. But, they are working on a whip kick and a breaststroke-like arm movement with him, and he is gaining confidence.
After lessons on Thursday, we went to the fun pool at one of the bases. It was in the 90s, but felt over 100 degrees. We stayed in the water except when they made us get out and when we needed a little bite to eat. We'll probably hit the fun pool a couple more times this week, too. Both kids can go down the little slides by themselves and they can stand nearly everywhere in the shallow end, which has also boosted their confidence.
By the way, do you see those anchors on Ryleigh's suit. Apparently lots of moms of Navy brats think alike and buy their kids things with anchors. There were two other girls with the same suit that day. One girl sought out Ryleigh and they went down a slide together. It was cute!
We ended up getting Jip an extra day this week, as GW didn't leave on time for the scheduled practice for the pilots. Ryleigh took full advantage and got Jip to take her to a movie at Cinema Cafe. RJ wanted nothing to do with a movie, so he kept me company while I worked on some National Carousel stuff.
We went out for an early dinner then dropped Jip off to the ship Saturday evening. Because they left late, we're not sure if they'll be back as scheduled or not. We sure hope so--it would be delightful to have Jip here for RJ's actual birthday.
This week holds more lessons, RJ's real birthday, the coming and going of Jip (whether it is for 24 hours or just 6 hours), and more. As always, pics to come. Until next time, cheers!
No comments