Swim Class

We have a lot of "bonus" lessons on our account at Bear Paddle, so we've been trying to use one every week, in addition to Gavin's regular swim class.  Here's his progress in Level Two after five lessons (within three weeks).

This is the freestyle "paddle" that he learned in Level One:



This is the way they start teaching the kids how to move for the backstroke, which is new in Level Two:




And this is how they start teaching breaststroke, also new for Level two:




You can see that he's gotten really confident!  We can't wait for Centennial Beach this summer!

College of DuPage library

Last Saturday, Gavin and Francis went over to the College of DuPage's library to help Nana with her "closing procedures."  Gavin likes to help make sure everything is put away.

Looking over the campus map with Nana:

"No, Nana, we're over HERE."

(Above) making sure all the chairs are pushed in.

 Below - Gavin was fascinated by the ongoing construction:

Checking all the gates:

The library staff said they're happy to have Gavin come over any time!

The Flood

Last week, Gavin's school was closed Thursday and Friday due to flooding from the heavy rains we got.  Our basement was dry, but others weren't so lucky.  A lot of roads were closed.

This is what one end of our street looked like at 5:30 pm.  It was probably worse earlier on!  One neighbor even saw  a fish swimming along the street.

Clow Airport

Last Sunday we went to breakfast at Clow Airport for Nana's birthday.  They have a cute little restaurant that serves breakfast, and it has huge windows right along the runway.  The morning started out cloudy and cold but then the sun came out and we saw several planes take off and land.

Gavin and Grandpa:

Deciding what to order:

 Uncle David met us there, since it's right by his house.  This is the only picture we got of him!  He's giving Nana a birthday hug:

You can walk around the parked planes.  Gavin loves this! 

We can't wait to go back on a warmer day!  (I always say I love the climate here, but waking up to 45 degrees on April 14 is pushing it! )

Nana and Grandpa's House

Last weekend we went over to Nana and Grandpa's house.  Gavin was interested in the bird (a cockatiel) but was happy to have him stay in the cage.  Gavin brought along his whistle so he could "talk" to it.

Then he and Francis fixed a light switch: 

It was a successful day and Gavin can't wait to go back!

Painting

Some of Gavin's war planes needed a touch-up on their paint.  Gavin was very meticulous!

Yorktown Mall

 Last year, at a brunch for the DuPage County Children's Center, we put our name in a raffle and it ended up that I won a facial.  It was at a spa by Yorktown Mall.

We've never taken Gavin to Yorktown, because it's not as close to us at Fox Valley Mall.  So Francis dropped me off, then he and Gavin went see what kind of mischief they could get into.

First stop was the big play area:

Next stop was Fun-Flatables, a big place full of inflatable jumpy things.  Gavin can never get enough of these things!

They had fun, and I had a relaxing facial.  It was a good day!!

Uncle David

These pictures are from a couple weeks ago when Uncle David came over.  He and Gavin just hung out and bonded over ships!

Swim Class

Gavin has moved up to Level Two in his swim lessons at Bear Paddle!  He can float unassisted for 30 seconds, can "paddle" 5 feet, and can exit the pool by climbing out on his tummy.

Here's a video of him paddling:

Centennial Park

The weather was so gorgeous today, Gavin and I went to Centennial Park.  He had a blast running around with all the kids there!

Playdate!

Over spring break, we had a playdate with Gavin's good friend from his class last year, Nico.  Since Nico has an August birthday, he went on to kindergarten (all-day) this school year, so he and Gavin don't get to play often.

They loved this Angry Birds game!!!

One of many hugs goodbye!  We can't wait to do it again!

Easter Sunday 2013

Easter started out with Gavin hunting for eggs that the Easter Beagle hid all over our house.  This happened the instant he woke up so I have no pictures of it.  It was pretty early and I hadn't had any caffeine.

Then Grandpa and Nana came over to color eggs.  First, Gavin got to open a new set of kid-size golf clubs. He understands that only the putter can be used inside!

Gavin was very careful with the eggs:

 

He loved cracking them, but didn't eat them:

Then we went to Grandpa and Grandma Cordes' house for dinner:

We found a model of the ocean liner "Olympic" (with special paint to confuse the Germans in WW1) for Uncle David.  Gavin is holding a model of the  "Titanic" :

More ship videos!!