Swim Update

Ella's lessons are going so well and she's a natural in the water. She can't float, though she has the technique and effort down, she just doesn't have enough body fat to be buoyant. She swims a few strokes, with and without "big arms" and will kick all the way to the side of the pool, face in the water. I could technically say she can swim if it wasn't for the floating issue... when it's time for her to breathe, she stands up, takes a breath, and proceeds on.

This session, there aren't a lot of kids so most days it's just Ella and Samson. He is so good with her and he's getting her to do things like the cannonball float that the older kids do. Samson also has her diving for dive rings at the bottom of the pool in 5 feet of water - she loves it! Last week, he taught her to go headfirst down the slide... though isn't that against some pool rule?? :) And today, she jumped off the diving board into the deep end. Aside from a little help treading water and a shove towards the ladder, she did it all on her own. I'll bring my camera next time and post some pics...

KoleKole Pass Hike

We took Ella hiking today up Kolekole Pass. She hikes the whole thing herself and declares at the top, "Let's go hiking again and again." Loosely translated means, "Why are we stopping?" It took a little effort and Ron's "noculars" to get her to take in the view and enjoy the rest before heading right back down :)

Report Card

Ella passed her Preschool Level 1 and 2 swim class today! Next week she's moving up to the Learn-to-Swim Level 1 class! (Pictures to follow)

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park

Yesterday, Ella and I joined some of our playgroup friends and headed to the water park. It was busy as school is out but so much fun. The keiki area was perfect for their age group and Ella, Hope and Ava spent the majority of their time going down the water slides...over and over and over. Ella and I also explored the family area and went down a couple of water slides together. We have summer passes and will go back next week... once school is back in session next month, Ella and I may spend a few days a week there :)

Happy July 4th Fiesta

We had a BBQ and went all out with hamburgers, hotdogs, smores and sparklers... then piled into the back of Rachel's truck to watch the fireworks at the airfield. It was a great American holiday :)

Love Bugs

Ella and Emmi had a birthday party this evening so Emmi and Christina came over a bit early so the love bugs could play:

Teeth

This is how I found Ella this evening when I asked her to brush her teeth:And if there was any doubt, Ella loves to pose for any photo op:

More Garden

Because I'm obsessed with our garden... last night's dinner:

Zucchini Bread

Ella is so proud of our garden and loves the show off what we've picked...

Vegetable Garden

Our progress since May...