Now we had a bit of trouble with him name in the beginning. (story of my life...)
Since I'm four days overdue and going in tomorrow for an induction, we thought that one last outing as a family of four would be nice. We headed to this new woodsy park that we discovered two days ago when we went for a random wander.... Its our new favorite spot with the perfect sized river for the kids to play.
"I survived Miss Rita's swim lessons" read the t-shirt of the guy inside the fence as we entered the backyard pool area at exactly 11:15 for the first day of the most brutal swim lessons I have found.
Day two, I surprisingly managed to get them into their suits somehow. Drove the 25 minutes back to her house. Upon sight of the front yard I heard synchronized protests and pleas followed by literal kicking and screaming into the pool gates (of hell). Parents were forcefully ordered once again to quickly move along into the house and leave their innocent children behind (insert evil laugh here).Within the next 45 minutes I witnessed the most amazing phenomenon of the human experience. The most striking moment of parental awe. I actually saw the moment my eldest son transformed a paralysing fear into an awareness that he actually accomplished what he thought he couldn't. Then into pride and excitment. Then into joy and elation! My own delight and relief could not be measured.
Lilly on the other hand still needed time.
Saturday is the work pool party where Dakota is so excited to show off to daddy his new diving board jumping & solo swimming skillz. Hopfully Lilly will just have some unpressured fun in between her sessions. But so far, so good.
Last weekend we had the best family outing in a long time. With hats, boots, and green guns in hand
Three years ago, when Dakota was only one and a half, some new neighbors moved in right next door. They had two girls and one was almost exactly Dakota's age. I remember their first meeting. He was always a very strong willed, bold and happy baby but when this blond little firecracker ran up to him waving her hand high, smiling ear to ear and steam-rolling her nose into to his, I could see he met his match. Since then he has always had a dear (and feisty) relationship with the girl next door.
When she came knocking on the door the morning of her move (a day earlier than we expected) he came running into my room screaming with tears that she was going away. I insisted no not yet but when i reached the door I could see he was right. He wouldn't pose a for a goodbye picture. In fact, he wouldn't change out of his pjs or even say goodbye at all! 
He just kept crying and demanding to get a new friend. We spent the rest of that day at another good friend's house but back at home (especially playing in the backyard), it just isn't the same anymore...
We'll miss you girls....
Today was a beautiful day for picking Michigan Cherries. We dressed in our pickin' gingham, grabbed our pickin' baskets and made our way to a nearby cherry farm where we collected a big ol' bushel of sweet black cherries. Mmmm yum! Kids had a blast (even though it was just with mommy) and Dakota's favorite part was when he climbed the tree all by himself.
When we were done we headed over to the "Apple Haus" for an extra special treat. Cherry glazed cherry doghnuts! and played outside with a mouthful of sweetness.
Daddy, you are our hero and we love you more than sliced bread!
