Swimming Lessons Done for the Year

Hard to believe, but the kids are already done with swimming lessons for the summer. They have all progressed so much. Today P. swam the length of the pool freestyle and was able to tread water for 3 minutes. K. was able to overcome her fear of the 5 foot area (not sure that is a total good thing) and swam to her teacher, also freestyle. She has a knack for picking up sports and it appears swimming is no different as this past Tuesday was the first time she attempted freestyle, so the video you are about to see is her third try (she made me promise to let her have a practice round before I taped her). And little miss M. has noneed for floaties anymore...she has been transformed into a fish thanks to Miss Lindsey. M. loves to swim and loves her new ability to dive underwater and get dive toys! Enjoy the videos!

Patty O'Completion

OK not totally done, but pretty close. Just have to finish the stone work around the pond, then dirt and mulch around it. Also have to get the fountain pump.

Finished Patio..... What I have to landscape around it?

An Irishman named Paddy O'Work

Sat June 4 (Day 5)



It was unbearably hot here in STL yesterday. It was at least 95*. Naturally, we decided it was the perfect day to spend outside working on the patio on the South side of the house. Todd and I started at 6:30 in the morning. My neightbor Mark came over and helped for about 3 hours. What a huge help that was. After about 11:30 Todd and I were on our own. We worked until about 5:30, then called it quits. We actually got a hell of a lot done considering there was only two of us. We drank tons of water to try to stay hydrated. Erin filled our 2 gallon water jug twice and we both had a quart of Gatorade. Nvertheless, I got heat cramps in my forearms and legs. Todd got them too in his hamstrings. We took the kids to the pool which was refreshing. I kept getting cramps in the pool, so I probably looked like a spaz. Enjoy the pictures..........

Let the Patio Work Begin....

.....if it will ever stop raining. OK, so we'll just have to work in the rain then.


Sat May 14 (Day 1)





















Sun May 15 (Day 2)










6,000 lbs worth of boulders



















Sat May 28 (Day 3)

Tues May 31 (Day 4)

Had some time in the evening to wrok with Chambers and Todd. Worked from about 6-9 and set most of the patio boards.

Maui

Sunset @ hotel Sunrise at Mount Haleakala above the clouds at 10,000 ft

Whale watching