Bella's first walk

We have been waiting and waiting and waiting to take Bella on her first walk.  Yesterday was the day.  After getting her last set of shots the Vet told us to wait five days and then we could take her. It was a happy time for Bella that's for sure. She ran and jumped and ran some more.  At one point she pulled out of her collar--it's a little too big, but at the rate she is growing it won't belong till it fits just right.

This dog of ours is quite a bit of work.  Because it is so hot outside she really needs to learn how to be an inside dog.  We have had other dogs and I have learned from sad experience that you have to be very strict with these dogs and not allow them to be in the areas that are off limits. So far Bella has had the chance to wonder around very briefly the tile area of our down stairs. I want to teach her to have a spot that she quietly lays in while she is in the house.  

She is getting better at listening too. Every once in a while though she gets a wild look in her eye and looks from side to side to see if anyone is watching then makes a crazy run for the living room trying to evade us.  She also is a big fan of the area near Josh's high chair. She knows there is bound to be a crumb or two for her to sneak(more like 10)

Grant enjoys teaching her new things. Tyler has managed to teach her a sign language type command that she responds to through the glass door. He puts his hand into a fist and says down. When she jumps at the glass window from the outside we can just hold up our fist so she can see it and she usually sits down.  We have to tell her over and over, but the fact that she understands is encouraging to us. 

The Vet said that she is a sweet puppy that means well, but just needs a little training. She is very happy and hyper.  Spencer feels very sad when she is outside alone.  I do too.  I like to see Spencer's compassion.  

The boys both have jobs to do with her. Unfortunately for Spencer his job is to pick up after her in the yard. Grant sweeps of the porch that she makes a mess of and gives here food and water along with practicing some training stuff with her each day. Bella grabbed onto Spencer's shirt and tore some skin so I have kept her away from Spencer for now till she calms down.  

Swimming lessons: Grant

Grant has made friends quickly in his level 3 swimming class.  He talks excitedly with his new friend while paying close attention to what is asked of him. It is a total joy to watch him in class. He is absorbed in joy and shares it uninhibited.  This particular lesson was fun to watch with Spencer and Josh in tow.  Spencer sat back in awe as they prepared to dive into the 12 ft area.  

The lighting on Josh really irritates me so I will have to just ignore it because the picture illustrates well what I am trying to say. 

Josh is about as laid back as they come when it comes to waiting patiently in his stroller during the lessons.  He looks around with a happy smile on his face. Content as can be.  

Spencer gets as close as possible soaking in all the information he can analyzing quietly what is being said and done.  

My boys are both so talented in different ways. Grant has the ability to hear so much more than you think he is hearing. Especially when he is laughing and enjoying himself so much.  He was very happy with the positive feedback that he got from his teacher on his diving. 

Grant is looking forward to being in the dive club next year. He has been told that it is a fun class where you just goof around splash each other and learn to dive of the diving boards. AND you don't have to wear a speedo.  Grant mentions this club at every lesson. He wants me to be sure to sign up for it next year just as soon as they announce it. Because If I do it any later it will be too late. It's a really popular class and he doesn't want to miss out. :)

Spencer made some cool faces for me as we tried to cool down outside for a bit. The partially coverred portion gets a little steamy.

Nothing makes me happier than to watch my boys develop their talents.

And what can I say, Spencer has this scary face thing down. :)

Looking forward to the next few weeks of lessons. I wish I could sign up for the last segment. Maybe we still can. The boys will be gone for a week though and I am not sure if it's worth it to miss two lessons. 

Swimming

The boys are both taking swimming lessons this summer. Grant was not thrilled at this idea and claimed that he was already a good swimmer. He is in fact a pretty good swimmer, but, I just wanted to make sure they had a chance to learn all the strokes properly and understood water safety for sure. It's a little scary sending these kids off with out me every other week. Something I never thought I would be doing.

When we showed up for the first lesson Grant looked around with a little bit of horror as one six year old after another marched around the gathering spot for the lesson. He turned to me and said something like, "If this is full of kindergarten girls I am not going...I won't come back mom."  Turns out he had two other boys about his age in the class and his instructor is his dad's bishop's son. He seemed to really enjoy himself and told me that he loved it and that I was right about signing him up and even thanked me. WOW.  How is that for a pay day!

Spencer looked forward to his class and did quite well and enjoyed learning different types of floats. Matt took him and I was not able to go, I was getting a little sick.

Yesterday we decided to go to open swim prior to Grant's class starting at 4.  The water was ICY.  The lesson's are held indoors with walls that open up in the summer time. Josh and I were a little startled as we got in but the boys didn't bat an eye. Spencer used the kick board to get around the deep parts while Josh and I followed and Grant found a big mat to lounge on in a small patch of sunlight. After some time floating Grant came over to me and said, "I've been thinking about it and I'm gonna do it...Jump off the diving board."  :) So he did, and followed it up with a glance in my direction and a fist pump in the air as he made his way back to the board to go again. He is growing up and is still very much a boy and wants me to watch at the same time. I love it.

Spencer and I had fun too. I was impressed with Spencer's ability to remember in such great detail what he learned at his lesson and show it to me. His floats are spectacular.

Josh as usual loved splashing around and being around all the other people in the pool. He loves a crowd of noisy kids that's for sure.