The Fairview...do w/ pics?

Andrew's summer clearly revolved around swim team at Fairview.  Starting before school was even out, he hit the ground running (or the pool swimming) in typical Andrew fashion.  He was nervous the first day, but by the end of the first week, we were searching for ways to reign in his over-exuberance.  With daily practice (and by daily I mean 6 days/week) from 11:45-12:30, the family schedule revolved around our Fairview commitment, which grew into Fairview love.  We packed a lunch every single day all summer and fell into a nice routine.  Margaret picnicked during Andrew's practice and played in the toddler pool until JJ (aka the best swim coach in the world, who might also be just the best person in the world!) scooped up Margaret for her lesson.  JJ offered to work with Margaret any day all summer that was mutually convenient, so they logged endless hours together.  The two of them together is a sight that I will never forget.  Enough to melt anyone's heart, as many others shared with me.  Andrew would eat during Margaret's time with JJ, and Matthew, well, Matthew would eat when I could get to him.  Third child.  But the kids had a ball and there were days we were at the pool well into nap/quiet time.  Highlights include the day that Andrew finally decided to try the diving board.  Of course there was no going back.  The slide was next.  Whoa!  And naturally, Margaret followed suit.  She ultimately only let JJ plunge in with her once, but she emerged to laugh about that and spent several days on the slide.  Oh, the exercise JJ got treading water waiting to catch Miss Margaret!  Another big night was a fun Friday (aren't they all at Fairview?) when Margaret finally decided to jump off the block.  At what other pool would you hear JJ over the loud speaker singing his praises of his little buddy's accomplishment!

The kiddos made lots of friends at Fairview and, most importantly, learned to be great swimmers.  Margaret is SO close to swimming herself.  She has plateaud a bit, but JJ will surely seal the deal this fall.  Andrew was swimming a barely recognizable form of freestyle in May, and by June was swimming a length of the pool and ready for meets.  We were so proud of his meet efforts.  We participated in our three home meets to round out the season.  While he was always nervous beforehand ("my heart hurts, Mom"), he always did exactly what he was supposed to do.  He handled the tremendous chaos beautifully, stepped up to the block each time (which one cannot say about all 6 & unders), jumped in and raced his little heart out.  His times significantly improved, as did his form.  We couldn't be more proud of the effort he gave this summer. 

The first of roughly 60 picnics at FV this summer!

Loving on JJ during Margaret's nearly daily lessons with him.

Margaret's Fairview T-shirt!

At JJ's request, Margaret would often help coach the 6-unders.  This was his brilliant tactic to help keep her out of the cold wading pool before her lesson after swim team.

Sibling love...on the concrete...where Matthew spent most of the summer:)

Warm up before his first swim meet!

The Star "Sprinkled" Banner

Severals Videos

Sweet Baby Boy

Crawling - only 6.5 months

Typical days in July

For our family service project, we prepared and served lunch for the volunteers at a Habitat for Humanity site.  It's hard to conjure up service work that kids of their ages can actually do, but we had a good time talking through the whole concept of Habitat, preparing the lunch, and delivering it to them all.  It happened to be the UVA Women's Basketball team that day, which was neat for all.  After lunch, the site director gave us a tour of one of the houses nearly completed.  It was a tremendous learning experience for them...at least for Andrew, who was clearly moved by the fact that not everyone has a home. 

VBS @ FBC!  In lieu of having my own class of children this year, I helped with the crafts rotation.  It was AWESOME, to say the least, to be able help Margaret (and her friends Ryan and Jack, aka "Thing 1" and "Thing 2"!) every day. The craft director was in awe of how excited Margaret was for each one----I explained it's because we rarely do such things at home - oh, no! 

Prior to the first swim meet in which Andrew competed, I took him to an away-meet to check out what this "meet" thing was all about.  During the rain delay that postponed the start, JJ personally walked Andrew around the pool explaining to him what everything was all about.  Few families are lucky to have their kids get such devoted attention. 

"Swimmers take your mark.  Boop!". I can't recall how many times I said that this summer as Andrew and Margaret "played swim meet" and jumped off the blocks.  This is his first real start in his first meet. I was so proud of him for doing everything he was supposed to and finished strong, in spite of how nervous he had said he was.  It was all worth it when he got his ribbon! 

Saturday morning lax---he loved every minute of it.  He's got a lot to learn, but at least there's someone around here that can help with that:) 

Typical day at Fairview.  Margaret picnicking before her lesson with JJ, while Matthew tries yet again to get his first taste of peanut butter and honey. 

 

She begged to nap with her sleeping bag on her bed.  I'm not sure why.

My little helpers at Trader Joes!  (Notice I only take a picture when their carts are NOT full of wine.)

Not even 3, yet going on 30....in SOOO many ways. 

 

 

I think he's gonna like race cars!  I adore these moments...when Andrew and Margaret are quietly, sweetly entertaining Matthew. 

July 4th - Baltimore & PA

We spent my 35th birthday and the 4th of July in Baltimore and travelled to Harrisburg, PA to celebrate Uncle Rick's 70th birthday with that of the family.  All of the Ebert girl cousins were there (Jen, Michelle and Beth) with their plethora of kiddos.  Don't have a picture of that crazy picnic, but we were happy to celebrate with Rick and Susie.

Ready for Baltimore!

Meeting Steve, Clare, Maddie & Ellie (missed the moments of meeting Yvie and David---can't imagine why I missed a shot here or there this summer!).

Ring around the rosie...

...We all fall down!

We had a great 24 hours with just Beth and her precious Molly and Emily.

 

Who's cooler with their sunglasses?  Margaret votes for herself over Steve.

Lots of fishing pics, as that was pretty much the highlight of the trip.  Andrew was content fishing for hours.  Never has he been so still and quiet for so long. 

There's a 2-yr-old napping somewhere in there.

FIREWORKS!!!