Summer 2017 -- Week 1 -- Water and More Water

The kids started their summer break off with a week of water.  We had four days of swimming lessons, an afternoon with Mom at the swimming pool, a pool party for one of RJ's classmates, and a day at the beach.

The kids are once again doing lessons at Little Creek Amphibious Base.  The kids have the last lessons of the day, which has both advantages and disadvantages.  I love that we can head straight to the fun pool from the lessons, as the timing is perfect.  I like that the locker rooms aren't very busy.  But, I dislike starting late because other classes ran late.  And, I dislike that the kids' class can't run late because the Marines and Seals are chomping at the bit to get their swim workouts in as soon as the little kids are out of the pool.  But, the kids like the lessons and seem to be gaining confidence and skills, so the positives outweigh the negatives.

We spent nearly three hours at the fun pool on Thursday.  Ryleigh was worn out, but RJ could have kept playing.  They both slept solidly that night after nearly four hours in the water.






Sunday afternoon we decided to head to the beach on the Dam Neck Navy Base.  We got a late start, so we were somewhat planning on turning around and finding something else to do because we thought it would be too crowded.  But, there was a brief rain shortly before we got there, and a lot of people decided to clear out.  We found parking and a very nice spot on the sand.  Yay for us!

The kids played a bit in the sand, but much to our surprise, they spent more time in the water than anywhere else.  Their confidence is showing.  And, they did a good job being safe by paying attention to the waves, the people around them, and keeping an eye on us.






This week holds more swimming lessons, Ryleigh's last gymnastics class with Miss Nina before moving to the next level in July, and dentist appointments.  We may throw in a minor league baseball game, too--but Ryleigh has already declared she's not going to any baseball games this summer, so we'll have to see.  As always, pics to come.

Until next time, cheers!

Happy Middle of June!

The middle of June brought some fun times to the Mosman household this week.

On Wednesday, Ryleigh celebrated Wacky Wednesday at school.  Pig tails and pipe cleaners (and a backwards shirt and mismatached socks) make for a very wacky girl!



The last day of school for both RJ and Ryleigh was on Friday.



While I think they are both ready for a break, RJ was downright devastated that school was ending.  He was a crying mess when he got off the bus on Friday--he is going to miss his teacher and his classmates very much.  Hopefully seeing some kids at summer birthday parties, including his own, will help his big heart.

On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with a little Dad dog pile before he opened his gifts.  The kids were excited that Jip was here for this one, as he was out to sea last year.


RJ and Ryleigh couldn't ask for a better Dad and I couldn't ask for a better parenting partner.  We love you, Jip!!




The kids start swimming lessons this week.  They are both already making great strides in their Virginia Beach Public Library Summer Reading Challenge.  And hopefully we can have some outdoor fun this week--we just need Hampton Roads to stop having a heat index over 100 degrees in the afternoon.

As always, pics to come.  Until next time, cheers!

Bikes, Boats, and Ballet

We had a busy weekend!

Saturday morning, we headed over to a K-Mart parking lot to do a bike radio with the Virginia Beach Police.  The kids had their helmets and bikes checked out, rode through an "obstacle" course, and played.  Kids who didn't have helmets received free helmets.  All kids got free t-shirts, popcorn, and balloon animals.  RJ told the officers he'll be back next year.










Saturday afternoon we headed to downtown Norfolk.  Ryleigh had dance recital rehearsal, so RJ and Jip entertained themselves at the annual Harborfest.  They got to see a couple tall ships, watch a Coast Guard rescue demonstration, play tic-tac-toe with Navy divers, and watch a street performer.






RJ had Ninja Zone on Sunday morning.  I'm not sure how Gatorade (or "Gator Egg" as Ryleigh calls it) gets all over his face.  But it always give us a laugh.


And, finally, nine months of pre-ballet culminated with a performance of Lavender's Blue from Cinderella (live action version).  I bought a video from the professional videographer there, so we'll all have to wait to see how that turns out.  But, in the meantime, here are a few shots from the dressing room, a terrible pic taken by my phone during rehearsal,  a pic of Ryleigh after the performance with the flowers from Jip, and a couple pics of the program.









Yes, Ryleigh's stage makeup is supposed to be that dark and dramatic.  When we were taking off her makeup this evening, we both realized we forgot to do her eyebrows--so she wasn't even fully made up!

Ryleigh has decided to continue with ballet next fall and will be moving up to the Primary Ballet class.  She has also decided to join the Ocean Tumblers Pre-Team and will be a "Hot Shot" starting in July.  That means 2 hours of practice per day, 2 days per week.  RJ was despondent when I told him how much she had to be at the gym, but when I told him that we have been encouraged not to stick around for the practices, he was okay with her moving up. :)

This week is the last week of school.  I'll be helping throw RJ's class an ice cream party on Thursday.  I need to get teacher gifts done.  And, we need to get RJ's birthday party announcements ready to take to school--oh, the joys of a summer birthday and having to be prepared with those announcements super early.

As always, pics to come.  Until next time, cheers!

Ryleigh-centric

This week's blog post is going to be a Ryleigh-centric.  Why?  Well, she's the kid who posed for pics or asked to have her pic taken all week.

But, before we share the Ryleigh pics, we have a pic from the monthly Home Depot workshop.  This month's workshop was a tic-tac-toe game that has the game board on the lid and the pegs fit inside.  It is one of the cuter/better projects that we've done at Home Depot.


RJ's running out of room on his apron for the pin they get for each workshop they attend.  I guess we'll have to start fresh soon.

Saturday evening, Jip and I went to a farewell dinner for the ship's Commanding Officer.  The food was delicious.  The setting was beautiful (Norfolk Yacht Club).  And, the evening's festivities weren't too bad.  Most of the department heads told a joke in lieu of the regular report they give to the CO each week--some were good, and some were just very bad.  We had a nice evening out.  



While we were playing grown up, Miss Julie came to hang out with the kids.  They ate dinner, played Uno and Checkers, and had a blast.  RJ invited Julie to his birthday party--so you know the night went well for him.

And, now for the Ryleigh pics.  Ryleigh wanted me to take a picture of her paper Cat in the Hat hat and bow tie that her teacher made for her.  Ryleigh loved her bow tie so much, she wore it to school again the next day.  


On Sunday, after we took in Captain Underpants (a new movie--the kids loved it, the adults not so much), Ryleigh and Jip headed to a birthday party for one of Ryleigh's classmates.  They had a pinata, made canvas art with toy monster trucks and paint, and played to the point of exhaustion.  Jip received lots of compliments on Ryleigh's patience and good behavior.  Of course, that ended that patience and good behavior went out the window as soon as she got home.  But, at least she always turns it on in public.




Ryleigh's art is alrady hanging in her room.  I think she is trying to figure out what else she can use as a paint brush so she can make more canvas art for her room.

The kids and I have a pretty normal schedule this week.  Jip has the Change of Command ceremony and a few meetings off the ship.  Then this weekend is the culmination of nearly 9 months of classes with the big ballet recital on a real stage at a real theater in downtown Norfolk.  Ryleigh is nervous and excited.  As always, pics to come.

Until next time, cheers!