July 4 Happenings

Sam participated in the Durham bike parade and a neighbor's cookout to celebrate the 4th.

Swim Lessons Round Two

When we last left Sam, he had just finished with his first round of Pike/Eel swim lessons and had been invited to return to the Pike/Eel classes for a second round. I signed up for two sessions -- June and July  -- at our neighborhood pool, which also happens to be a YMCA pool. To say Sam has come a long way since March is really an understatement.

Then:

A little worried. (Although not as worried as that kid beside him.)

Now:

Look at that smiling face on the first day! It's obvious he is so much more comfortable in the water now than he was even three months ago. A couple of things have contributed to his excitement about swim lessons this summer. First, his swim instructor is named Sam, so he's cool. Second, his BFF James is in the class with him (to Sam's left in this photo).


Kicking away.


Playing "Starfish."


The Sams.


You see little Sam, with the blue noodle, just behind the girl with the pink noodle? He had just swum - BY HIMSELF - from the far end of the pool. And he was headed for the other end (where he eventually landed safely). And, get this, HE WASN'T LAST. He was, at risk of bragging, almost first. His teacher Sam is an enthusiastic young man, and as the kids were swimming he was yelling, "Who wants it? Who wants it?" And Sam answered back, "I do!!" Note to self: teach Sam the meaning of a rhetorical question.

(In case you were concerned, despite the menacing clouds, no children were struck by lightning during the course of this swim lesson.)

Beach Trip 2013 - Emerald Isle

Before.


Colter enjoys the Sound view.


Sam had fun in the sand but refused to go into the ocean.










S'mores night. Plenty of chocolate, pointy sticks and matches within hands reach.








Sam's favorite part about the aquarium was watching the divers.


And talking to the divers.


And following the divers.






Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles.


Beaufort, N.C.


Sam's first kayak trip.





Other firsts for Sam this trip included: flying a kite and watching a full-length movie (Finding Nemo). He actually wouldn't hold the kite string because I had (in a moment of bad judgment) just read him the Curious George story about how he flew away with a kite. Sam also spent much of the movie hiding around the corner while I told him what was going on and when it was safe to look. We should be a fun pair at the local movie theater.

Father's Day 2013

Last year I interviewed Sam for an "About My Dad" profile, to celebrate Father's Day. Well, we're back for this year's installment! And the hijinks continue. You have to crank the volume to hear Sam, and then my voice is gratingly loud, but it's worth it (well, you be the judge of that). If you can hang in there till the end, Sam really does end it on a sweet note.


Sam makes a reference to "Mr. Joe," which is really a reference to Dr. Joe, a pediatrician. Sam and his dad have a bit of a running joke in which poor Dr. Joe has, unwittingly, become a central character. Every time Sam hurts himself, Bruce pretends to call Dr. Joe to come immediately and cut off whatever it is that is ailing Sam. I personally find the humor a little untoward. But apparently Sam loves it. And that's what Dads are for, right? For all that Dad stuff -- your bad jokes and roughhousing and burps, etc. -- Bruce, I salute you.

And to quote Sam from the video, "Daddy, I love you! Happy Father's Day!"

Puddle Jumper

Tropical rains mean fun times for the boy.

99 Days of Summer Fun

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is touting 99 Days of Summer Fun, and I'm here to confirm that Sam packed 99 days of fun into one at Busch Gardens on Friday. And Bruce would add that it felt like it lasted about 99 Summer Days.

First stop: Grover's Alpine Express, a sort of "my first roller coaster." (Or in Sam's case, "my last roller coaster.")

These are the BEFORE photos.

Waiting in line.


Grandma and Dad riding in front.


So excited!


Self portrait!

Don't you just feel his excitement?!!

Annnnd ... the are no AFTER photos because Sam immediately burst into loud tears after the ride was over, and instead of photographing him I just spirited him away so as not to scare the other kids. Let's just say it was a little intense.

Everything else went perfectly smoothly.


Here we are on the considerably more tame air chariot, or whatever they called this.


And, the carousel. He's not really as nervous as he looks, that's just his interpretation of "cheese."


Ropes course with dad.


Tram with Grandma.


Driving the ladybug cars.


Cap'n Sam. After this, he informed us it was time for a popsicle. I sadly did not capture this monstrosity on film, but it was about three feet tall and cost $15. Thank goodness he let Bruce share it with him.




Splashy fun!


Our last ride was on the train.