Swimming with a Shiner

I've been trying to get pictures of Collin at swimming lessons all week. Luke has not really cooperated, however. The last day of swimming lessons was approaching. I decided this was my last chance. I even gave the boys haircuts the night before so they'd be nice and handsome. But alas, just minutes before it's time to leave for the last swimming lesson tragedy strikes. Luke pushes the front door open and the door knob slams right into Collin's eye. It instantly turns purple and begins to swell. My hopes for at least one great photo are out the window. Oh well. The important thing is that Collin had a great time at his lessons. He was always the last one out of the pool. And now he's got "skills". His skills include floating on his back and moving both his arms in large circles (similar to a back stroke). Very exhilarating for him. I was a very proud mother. And miraculously I did get one picture where the shiner didn't show much. (Mom's got some "skills" of her own.)

Visitors: Grandad & Elena

Because we live in a small town away from all of our family, we really look forward to having company and visitors. Grandad & Elena are visiting with us this week. We took a drive up the coast yesterday. The weather was perfect and we had a fabulous day.

We visited Cape Perpetua to explore the tidepools, walk around the overlook area, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we stopped at Hobbit's beach on the way home. Collin, Grandad and Elena were bravely swimming in the cold ocean, while Luke and I played in the warm sand. Grandad taught the kids how to catch sand crabs. They hunted for them all afternoon, collecting 11 of them by days end.

Grandad told stories to Collin about knights and dragons as we drove down the highway. "Keep telling the story Grandad," he would say every time Grandad got distracted, had to pause, or came to The End. He couldn't get enough. His favorite part was when the knight slept inside a dragon he had slain and awoke the next morning with superhuman strength. Collin is always looking for ways to get stronger and taller. My favorite part was when the knights ate noodles to give them strength before facing the daunting dragon. It got Collin to eat his dinner of noodle soup. We love your stories Grandad!