My Snorkeling Buddy

I absolutely love water. I love the outdoors but when water is a part of the equation, my joy seems to be intensified ten fold so naturally I gravitate to the ocean as that is the largest body of water in my area. There are, of course, other bodies of water near me, Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore, but I wouldn't want to swim in them. Heck the fishes don't even like swimming in them, enough said about that. So it is to the ocean I often go to find peace in a busy life and joy in recreation.

I hope to by like my mom. She was swimming in the ocean the summer before she passed away. She was always game for a swim and we all loved that she would join with us. Yes, that is they type of mother and grandmother that I desire to be.

These last summers I have been attempting to acquaint my kids to snorkeling in the ocean. I bought snorkel gear for them last year and they did a little diving w/ the masks and snorkeled in a pool, but were a little afraid to venture into the ocean's open water. It is a little scarey to see what is underneath those emerald waters, especially after "Shark Week" so not many were willing this year with the exception of Will.

Twice he has gone into the ocean with me to see the depths of the sea. This is one of those events. We took the kayak out in La Jolla Cove and he paddled like a little trooper out to the sea caves. He did awesome. It was so amazing to share that experience with him and brought me so much joy. He bravely ventured into the waters and was thrilled to see so many fish. He clung to my elbow as we swam together and explored the underwater structure and fish. I wasn't able to take many photos because unfortunately the water was cold and he got a chill, but it wet his apetite for more and better yet he had bragging right to the experience which makes his older sisters choke down their fears and want to go next time. Nothing like a little positive sibling pressure to get others involved.

I so love my Willow and feel grateful for that time spent with him. Way to go William the Brave Heart!

First Day of School

I have been on hiatus from blogging for really no good reason, but I do have some photos that I would like to preserve because some day I will actually print up the blog for our family records. Although I have a number of summer photos I would like to share, I believe my first blog back will have to be about the first day of school.

Here are the kids on their first day of school They look relatively happy with the exception of Owen who was expressing silent protest. Notice the jackets. This is a reflection of what our summer and early fall was like--cool breeze.

Will and Owen with their dedicated teachers.

Will and Owen are trying their best to look happy at their desks on the first day of school. I guess you could say that they felt that summer ended way to early for them. By the time I was done getting the boys to their classes I swooped around to my fifth grader, Emma Pi. When I ventured in to take a picture of Emma at her desk, I noticed the unrecognizable look of "Don't you dare embarress me by coming in and taking my picture with my teacher all over her panic stricken face. I sent her a smile and a wave and when no one was looking blew her a kiss. I will have to go back with my camera and get a picture with her teacher.

Me looking stunned on the first day of school. This was my first week back to full time teaching. This is the deer in the headlights look, with which you're all familiar. Now that I have been working for nine weeks, I feel I can finally say that I don't feel stunned anymore. I feel very blessed to have a job and such wonderful kids who pitch in and help making the transition easier.