Heat Wave 2011

It feels like just yesterday I was writing about the huge winter storm we had and now the tables have turned. Man is it a hot one this summer with heat indexes well into the 100's. We're definitely not in Fort Mac anymore! And when it's this hot we hit the pool. The ivy club has come in handy this past month and Aniela and Charles are enjoying getting out of the house and burning some energy. On the weekends Charlie usually takes the older kiddos while I stay back with Zoe and take advantage of getting some house work done. Then on the weekdays we meet Charlie after work to cool off. And because the temperatures are unbearable we drop Zofia off at Granny and Grandpas house to get some major spoiling in. That way mommy can have some fun at the pool too. Have I mentioned yet how awesome it is to be living close to family again!

So all this swimming has turned our kids into little fishes. Aniela went from having to be held in the deep end with water wings on...to now being able to swim on her own! We are so proud of her for not being scared and continuing to try even with all those nose full of water moments. Charlie is such an amazing father and really worked with her to get her swimming. He hated knowing that if she fell in the water she couldn't know the basic "doggy" paddle to save herself. It only took 4 times out to the pool with daddy and she is a swimming fanatic. She even went off the diving board yesterday, with no floaties, and swam to the edge on her own. Looking back at the video my eyes started tearing up...where did our baby go!

Charles is no exception. With his water wings on he loves being a "big" boy and swimming in the deep end along side us. He constantly pushes off the edge of the pool and after getting his bearings again has the biggest "I am so cool" smile on his face. It is pretty cute.

Then when the kiddos just need a little break we head to the baby pool. Which we love because it's only a foot deep and has every imaginable water and bath toy a kid could dream of to play with.

Heres a little video of our swimmers:

And since I haven't blogged in a bit here are a few pictures and highlights this month:

This is what happens on days when it's just to darn hot to go outside:

Get every imaginable pillow in the house and make a pillow pit to jump into

Get dressed up by your big sister

Oh my this picture will be so fun to show when Charles is dating. I especially love the fuzzy peep toe heels paired with the dino briefs. Oh and the fairy wings add a nice touch too!

Zoe in the outfit Aunt Danuta got her. I wish I could look as cute with those many roles!

Charlie also had a chance to go boating with a coworker last week. He hadn't water skied in 10 years but was able to get up on slalom with ease. He also tried out water surfing, which is pretty much water skiing but on a surf board (picture below). It took a few times but he was able to do that too. Now, in typical Charlie fashion, he had so much fun that he totally wants a boat. Whats the saying...the best way to own a boat is to have friends with a boat...or something like that!

Then my beautiful mother Celebrated her 64th birthday this past weekend! We had a fun get together with all of my family and all 8 grandkids. She got a little teary eyed as all the kids gathered around her. The older ones giving her hugs, kisses, their homemade cards and telling her how much they loved her. While the babies were at her feet tearing into the presents. It was one of those moments that as a Grandmother you couldn't ask for anything more. Happy Birthday Mom...we love you!