Branson

We started our summer with a quick trip to Branson for three nights. We rented a little house that had a pool within walking distance. We spent everyday swimming since the temps were pretty high that week. Both kids are doing great in the water. Laura is a good swimmer and really enjoys being in the water. Grant is fearless. He jumps, dunks, blows bubbles and paddles pretty well (all with his floaties on). I'm so glad both of the kids love swimming so much!

One night we went into town to ride go-karts and they had little rides the kids enjoyed. Since it was the last week of school for most of Missouri schools, there were no crowds. It was great!
Grant was pretty serious about driving his car. I was right beside him and we were dead last to pass the finish line. People were flying by us, but I was scared Grant was gonna fall out. He had a blast!Some sweet man offered to take this picture when we were at Bass Pro.
One morning, we went to Tablerock State Park for a hike. It was hot and Grant needed a lift at the end. We enjoyed looking at the lake. The lake was really high, so were had to stay on the paved path. All of the hiking trails were actually closed.



After our trip to Branson, Jim and I went to Malibu, California. He presented at the Christian Scholars Conference at Pepperdine, and while he was busy with work, I ventured around town in our Grand Marque rental car. I am cheap-just trying to save Harding a few dollars and get the deal which happened to be a very large Grand Marque! I met up with a couple friends some of the days and it was overall a nice relaxing time. I could definitely see myself living in California--the weather is fabulous. This was our view everyday--it can't get much better!

Swimming, Softball & Mosquito Bites

Laura is into her second week of swim lessons and loving every minute of it. She wakes up every day asking when we get to go to lessons. She is not afraid to jump in the water from the side or diving board. Since I'm a big fan of swimming, I'm glad Laura is enjoying the water so much. I have been teaching swim lessons while Laura is in the water, so I'm also having a good time!!
We signed Laura up for a 4 day softball camp that started on Monday. I was a bit worried that it might not go over that well for her as she has never played before and the girl doesn't like to get hot and sweaty. But, we thought it would be good for her to try out a team sport and sweat a bit! She has done really well being the youngest at the camp and she was delighted to find two other little friends there as well.


The kids are definitely enjoying more time with Jim since he has been more free to be at home. Hide and seek, chase, playing outside and reading books have been the favorite activities with Daddy! It is nice to have him home more, although, it is probably a good thing he is teaching in the month of July. Jim gets a little stir crazy if he doesn't have enough "stuff" going on!
Grant is up to the usual....being a stinker! He is cutting about 4 molars which has him fussy some days, but overall, he is a happy camper. He loves being outside, getting dirty and playing with balls. Unfortunately, he has sensitive skin which has caused him to have allergic reactions to grass and mosquito bites. Last week, his eye was swollen shut from a bug bite and he had huge welts on his legs. The doctor said it is something he will outgrow, but in the meantime, this is what he looks like on occasion:::

Night Swimming

We enjoyed a humidity-free night in Searcy at the health club pool. It was Grant's first time in the water, and he had no complaints. Laura is doing great and, as you can see, thoroughly enjoys her floaties and goggles. She loves to jump in!