Water Fun at the Zoo

Our zoo has an amazing splash pad. It is one of the biggest in all of Knoxville. We have a zoo membership, so on the weekends, we often pack up and go to the splash pad to cool off (because it is soooo hot here compared to Texas, not really and we are thankful for that). Some days we take time and look at the animals and others, it is just a trip to the splash pad.

That paw is HUGE!

HUGE turtle!

The otters were finally out and swimming everywhere

Afternoon Swim

Since our apartment complex has a nice pool and it is still summer, Taryne expects to go to the pool every afternoon. No matter what. It all started on our trip to the pool in the hotel and there was an abandoned set of floaties by the pool. We decided to use them and as soon as we got moved in, we had to get her a set from Target.

I love the pool, but some days it is just a little cold in the pool. For someone that is used to (but absolutely hates and I use the phrase "used to" lightly because the heat makes me sick) 100 degree weather, swimming when it is 80 degrees is a little chilly at times. I am totally not complaining. Not one bit. No, not at all.

Yesterday, Hayden and Kyle joined us in the pool. It was a warm 84 out and the water was cold! Hayden chattered his teeth a bit at first but soon figured out he loved the water. He was kicking around in his floatie.

Our pool.

My little swimmer....

If we don't swim, we are usually taking a trip to the park. Either way, we all get some exercise and we get to enjoy the great outdoors.

Until next time...Gig'em!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

First of all, thank you to all who serve so we may enjoy freedom.

We all had a three day weekend and because it is already crazy hot here, we decided to a little relaxing. Our weekend included watching lots of softball (watching, not playing), playing in the pool, cooking and going to the park.

You know Taryne is my child. I swear I did not teach her this, but everytime (and I mean everytime) we go outside and it is "warm" out, she says "HOT!!". It is a bit funny, but at the same time, I guess she is like me and Kyle, we really don't like hot or even very warm weather. We are pretty sure we could "deal" with it better if it actually cooled off at night and I don't mean "cool off" to 80. I am talking 60's to low 70's.

Anyway, so after swim lessons were over, she spend most of the weekend walking around saying "hot", "swim", "Hannah" all the time. So we went and got a little backyard pool. And of course it had to be big enough for all three of us to play in and cool off.

Practicing her dunking and kicking...

French Puff Muffins...yummmm....

It was so nice to have a relaxing weekend! Especially since the next week was the start of New Student Conferences and a super busy summer.

Until next time...Gig'em!

Swim Lessons Week 2

My friend Melissa (the one offering her pool for the lessons) got an underwater camera. After seeing the pictures she sent over, I am in awe and I want one!! I am not sure I would use it much since we don't have a pool, but the pictures were amazing.

Swimming lessons are technically over, but we are planning to get Taryne to the pool as much as possible this summer.

Until next time...Gig'em!

Swimming Lessons

Last week we started swimming lessons. We are very lucky to have a good friend offer up her home to several moms and children for private swim lessons. Thanks Melissa!!

We only had lessons 3 days last week due to weather. While it is already pretty hot here, the pool was a bit chilly for Taryne and several of the other children.

The first 2 days, Taryne cried almost the entire time, but she did really well. She went under water several times and did not swallow water. The third day she walked to her teacher, Hannah, and raised her arms up for her to pick her up. She did SO well that day. She dunked under water, kicked around the pool and I could hear her laughing from inside.

She is ready for this week's lessons. I hope this week is as good or better as Wednesday.

Until next time...Gig'em!