Swim Lessons = Success

After two weeks of swim lessons by an amazing teacher Dalton is now a water bug. He learned to blow bubbles, go under water, exit a pool not using steps, swim on top of water, swim under water, dive (especially loved diving for rings and sticks), bob in and out of water, float on back, float on stomach, the backstroke and most importantly he learned water survival (how to get back to the edge and hold on until he is safe again). I was impressed. I did not expect a pro swimmer after two weeks, but I was hopeful he would learn the importance of water safety and that is just what he did.


Diving in the deep end.


Learning the backstroke.


Jumping in and swiming underwater.

Safari

This past weekend Granny and Grandpa took Dalton on Safari. They headed out Friday morning with a destination of Kerrville, Texas specifically the YO Exotic Game Ranch. Never heard of the YO Ranch then check them out. The YO Ranch "Africa in Texas" started in the 1960s when the San Antonio Zoo's director needed help with the zoo's exotic wildlife program. There are 55 species of exotic wildlife roaming the ranch including Giraffe, South American Rhea, African Wildebeest and more. They provide daily tours and the guides let you get as close as the animals will allow. Dalton had a blast just take a look.

Thank You Granny and Grandpa for a cool trip. I loved the animals and the pool. ~ Dalton

New Bling

Mallory got some new bling for her 8 month birthday. On Friday we took her to get her ears pierced. I will admit it's something I wanted to do for awhile, but was hesitant. I have to say she was such a trooper. I brought Ryan along so he could hold her still because I was afraid she would fight back, but to our surprise she did not.

A look before...

She sat so still on Ryan's lap while they marked the holes.

In a matter of seconds the 1st ear was done.

A bottle magically made it all better... on to the 2nd ear.

All done... a little TLC and the tears passed quickly.

A look after...

Mallory 8 Month Update

At 8 months Mallory is really starting to develop a personality. She no longer likes her toys. For some reason whatever Dalton is doing is more fun so the arguments have started.

She enjoys playing with blocks. I think the more noise she can make the happier she is.

She now looks forward to bath time and can't wait to get in the tub. On a few occasions when we happen to turn our back for a few minutes if we can't find Mallory we head to the bathroom and find her eagerly trying to get into the tub.

This is what it looks like trying to get her ready for bed after a bath. All she wants to do is get back in the water.

If you are in the same room with her she enjoys jumping and playing, but walk out or around the corner and she can't see you that is the end of it.

The tools are another new obsession. She seems to play with them more than Dalton, but of course if she wants them so does Dalton. I knew there would be fights, but this young...are you kidding me!

Everything goes into the mouth. We don't remember Dalton putting things in his mouth like Mallory. She is also fascinated by wall plugs. I have not gotten a picture yet, but needless to say all the wall plugs have covers. This is certainly something Dalton never found or showed an interest in for some reason. We are learning fast that they are two opposite kids.

Mallory is also becoming more photogenic which Dalton is not. Her faces crack me up some times. Here are just a few snaps from last night.

She loves mirrors...if it was just a little safer this could entertain her for some time.

Mallory took her first swim in Uncle Jeff's pool Sunday. No tears. We head to Port A in the near future so we will see what she thinks about the sand and waves. I think we have two water babies on our hands.



Maybe you noticed in some of the pictures, but if not, Mallory is also now pulling up on anything she can get to. Between 7 and 8 months she learned to crawl, sit up and pull up. Where is the pause button? This child is an eager beaver. She does not stay in one place for more than 5 seconds. I'm afraid if I blink she will be graduating high school. She is certainly keeping us on our toes, but we are enjoying every moment.

Swim Lessons - Day 5

Swim Lessons - Day 4