AAAAAHHHHHH Summer...

This past weekend we took a trip up to NOVA to visit the fam. My niece was having a birthday party and the kids were jonzin' for some grandma and grandpa love (ie - they wanted to get spoiled). The kids had a great time. We went to the pool and my parents were amazed with their swimming abilities. Patty is really getting good at jumping off the diving board. She's even started doing tricks...cannonballs and such. It's very fun to watch.

And much like her potty training, Amanda is taking it upon herself to learn how to swim, with hardly any help from us. When she wants to do something she just does it. It's amazing.

Here are some pics and videos for your enjoyment (these are from Saturday at our pool. We went to NOVA on Sunday).

They're not quite ready for synchronized diving yet...Maybe by the 2020 Summer Olympics :-)



Notice that Amanda is insistent that I go "really really far" so she can swim to me.


This is Patty swimming...and Amanda STILL wants me to go "really really far."

Wii Love to be Fit

Kristin's big present for me last Christmas was a Nintendo Wii - one of the greatest gifts ever! I've been hooked on games like Super Mario Galaxy, Guitar Hero III (And GH Aerosmith) ever since. I play so much GH that Patty knows just about all the lyrics to Foghat's "Slow Ride" and Poison's "Talk Dirty to Me." Luckily she has no idea what she's singing!

And last weekend I grabbed the last Wii Fit off the shelf at our local Target (there were three very unhappy people in line behind me). This was more for Kristin's benefit than mine. She's wanted one for months - she was never interested in jamming with me on the (fake) guitar and wanted to use the Wii for more than just a paperweight. I really didn't think I would enjoy it, but it's actually very fun. There are a bunch of games that come with the system that are fun for me AND the kids (skiing, snowboarding, boxing, etc.). And a few of the weight training exercises are even a bit challenging. Let's hope wii continue to use it ;-)

Otherwise, at $80, it'll be the most expensive scale we'll ever own!

On another topic. I had a job interview today for a position with the Dept. of Public Utilities (I hope no one at my current job reads this!). It sounds like it would be a good match for my meager marketing skills - and challenging enough to keep my interest for more that a few years. Cross your fingers!

Summer Pool Play

What would a hot summer day be without a nice cool dip in the pool.

With temps averaging in the mid to upper 90s during Richmond's summer months, our neighborhood pool is where you will find us most weekends (and many weeknights). Patty and Amanda are turning into little fish. Patty can swim about half the length of the pool before struggling (see video). She's no Summer Sanders yet, but I have no doubt she'll get there eventually. And today she jumped off the diving board and swam to the ladder with no help for the first time. A major accomplishment! We plan to sign her up for winter swim lessons to get her ready for next year's swim season.

Amanda jumped off the diving board for the first time today as well (I caught her of course). As usual, she was not afraid and wanted to go again and again. The kid has no fear. She'll jump to you whether you're waiting for her or not.



Here are a few more pictures of the girls enjoying the day at the pool:

Amanda chilling out on her beloved noodle

Patty catching her breath after her swim

Me and Amanda horsing around.

Welcome!

Well...I've caught the blogging bug!

I'd figured this would be a good way to update our family and friends on all things Stevens-related. Kids stuff, work (or lack there of), home life, my hatred toward cats, our ever growing laundry pile, home improvement projects...and clutter. Lots and lots of clutter.

Stay tuned...