Swimming marvel

Kate and Sam started back to swim lessons in February and both kids passed their levels easily (3 and 6, respectively). Sam's "class" ended up being one-on-one sessions with his former private teacher, for group lesson price! We've continued that, and moved Kate up to level 3. She came home after Monday's practice and said, "MOM! In level 3 we have to swim in the deep end! I don't think that's a good idea." But after watching her last night I'm totally amazed! She is swimming, without a jacket, up and down in the deep end, both front and back strokes. She is swimming under the water (granted, with a little nose-holding). She's amazing, and getting even more fearless.

The most hilarious part was her attempt at diving off the side of the pool. She's not at all afraid to try it, but she stands (or kneels) in the proper pose, and then disregarding entirely the examples before her, jumps in with her hands still together and entirely above her head. It's hilarious. I'm probably not doing it justice, but trust me, we have some work to do there.

The other thing she reported to me after Monday night was that she might be in the wrong class, because she's only 4. Having now seen her classmates, I can tell you that one of the girls is at least 10, if not older. The other two look more her age-- probably 5 or 6. I think we'll be in level 3 for a while, but I just keep assuring her that it makes her a very big girl, just like Sam, to be able to swim so well!

Sam's doing very well, as usual, and working hard on his form. Eliot, his teacher, is such a blessing and very good with him always.

Yes, you too

The other day I was talking to Kate about all of the things she can be when she grows up (...while we were brushing her teeth. Don't ask me why that was what we were discussing, but if the dentist asks, tell him the subject was dental hygiene.) I said, as I often do, "Kate, you can be anything you want to be when you grow up." And I offer a helpful list of suggestions too, no pressure. I just want her to remember that pole dancer or professional cheerleader don't often come up, but you know, whatever she wants to be.

Sam, who overheard us talking, leans in and says, "Hey, can I be whatever I want to be when I grow up too? Anything?"

I had to laugh at this, because when I'm telling Kate about all the things she can do, I'm trying to counterbalance generations of girls who were limited in job selection to secretaries and teachers. I'm trying to empower her to take on anything and be the Speaker of the House or President or preacher or author or head football coach (probably not that one, but whatever. Someday.) I guess I don't give the same encouragement to Sam, who I think should be born with entitlement and pride in his little white male genes.

So, I respond, "Yes, Sam. You can be anything you want to be."

"Great," he said. "I think I want to be a pilot." (This was a first-- he is usually very adamant about becoming a video game creator.)

Naturally, I leaned over to Kate and said, "You know, you could be a pilot too. If you wanted."

Spring break in Minnesota?

Perhaps not the best time to go north. It was "balmy" in Minneapolis-- a warm 47 and sunny on Friday. We'll take what we can get! Took a quick road trip to visit Philip and Molly in Eden Prairie over the kids' spring break. Mom and Dad went with us, but Stu had to stay at work. We did two days at the Mall of America, including one day riding rides at the Nickelodeon Universe. We saw a lot of Philip and watched KU play their first round NCAA game together as the only KU fans in the local Buffalo Wild Wings. We went to see Philip's school on Saturday and were impressed by the facilities. High schools have stepped up quite a bit since I was there 20 years ago! It was a short, but fun trip. Here are a few pictures!



The closest we got to an American Girl doll



At the aquarium



With my favorite cartoon character (ha)



Kate at the Lego store in a BIG lego



My Kansas kids in the ferris wheel



Waiting for the ride



Brown family required train station picture, in the mist



"Look, we're really happy about this. And freezing. So take the picture!"



A Princess Party

Kate's friend Addie always has picture-worthy birthday parties, and this year was no different. This year, Addie had a princess party and invited all of her princess friends to come dressed for a party. So, Kate donned her favorite princess dress and headed out. There were probably 20 princesses there from ages 2-5, and Kate had quite a big time. The hit of the day was a visit from the REAL Belle (Beauty and the Beast, for thsoe of you who aren't versed on all the princesses!) Belle gave them three tests to prove they are princesses, led a search for a treasure chest, and did the girls makeup and put glitter in their hair. Oh, it was pretty exciting stuff!

Kate, Addie and an extra princess



Belle and her happy princesses