Learning to swim

Having my children learn to swim early is important to me because it teaches self belief, self confidence, the ability of one's body, physical work and co-ordination. Every other year in our family, someone learns to swim. It's a rite of passage around here. It's so exciting for the others, that now the newest swimmer can also be privy to the world of summer fun. This year it was Maggie's turn. Newly 2 with the confidence of a 6 year old, she jumped right into it. Here are some pictures of her lessons.

Women to learn from

The end of the school year is always an emotional time for me. I know, I don't even go to school anymore. But good byes are hard for me. I've said so many permanent ones: to the land I grew up in, to my grandparents every other summer before I travelled back across the Atlantic; to the my childhood friends. This year was particularly hard for me. Not really sure why. I do love my kids getting older and more independent, but there is a part of their childhood that I say good bye to with each school year ending. They had wonderful teachers this year. I would count each of those women as wonderful teachers, and also friends. Not only have their teachers poured into the lives of Susannah, Abbey and Jess. I feel they have poured into mine with their wisdom, style, and their presence.

Jesse with his preschool teachers

Abbey and her first grade teacher

Susannah and her 3rd grade teacher