Cousin Pool Party 2008 and my Sean-ey

Every year it is so fun to see the kids play in grandma Motley's pool(funny how the grandparents home is usually referred to as "grandma's" but it's commonly accepted as both grandma and grandpa's). Each year brings a new element to their play. This year Ryan is really swimming. He finally figured out taking breaths when swimming a good distance. He's had a blast getting around freely and being a big boy, though requires his goggles to have a good time. (on occasion when the goggles were left at our home, he is less inclined to be gung ho at the pool). This year Sean and his cousin just younger than him really figured out that they are buds. Here they are with their "muscles." And again, getting a ride on a noodle from grandpa.

And here is Sean's attempt at a cannon ball. He has really enjoyed his swimming freedom with the "muscles" since last year he was only comfortable jumping directly into someones arms - not wanting to actually go under the water. Now he's totally nuts, usually is the last to leave the pool and protests every time we are done swimming. Speaking of totally nuts...don't let your kid play in the front seat. This is the result of Sean being excited jumping into the windshield - mind you the car was not moving! This kid has a HARD HEAD...in more ways than one. He didn't cry. He's bonked heads with his brother and cousin recently where the other involved boy cried. Ryan had a bruise on his cheek bone from the collision. Sean was fine.
Hard headedness is also exemplified in stubbornness. This kid is my mothering challenge, particularly when he is tired. We are in Virginia now and started our vacation with a red-eye flight where the kids probably slept almost 4 hours. Then he had about a 4 hour nap when we got to grandma's. We have a lot of late nights around here...but it's three hours earlier than our body clocks. He's had naps daily since we got here, usually in the car. As the day progresses, and his tiredness elevates, the stubbornness increases! He's seriously amazingly fun, cute, hilarious, animated, loving - and a spitfire! ***Not that he's a spitfire all the time. I love you Sean!

Go Scott! What a fun dad!
I'll have to get a video of some of his rad tricks!Dylan and Ryan...good buds

Ryan and his favorite goggles. How cute is my big boy! Shall we call this a can opener?Pool parties are just so fun! We especially love our time every summer with the cousins at Grandma's pool!