Swimming Lessons

The Jones kids love swimming lessons, well up to a certain age.  Kyle actually forgot that I didn't have him take swimming lessons last year and in a panic said, Mom you're not going to make me take swimming lessons are you?" Can you imagine him at 5'10" hanging out with the 10 year olds.  It did make me giggle. This summer was so crazy, busy that we had to sign up the week before school and the first week of school.  The good part is that everyone is so excited for school to start until after the first day of school, so they had something fun to do when they came home. The bad part was that the heater was broken, so no heated pool.

 This is pretty much how Kristen looked the whole time with goggles and mostly swimming. She was in an hour class and she really got her money's worth.  Her teacher was Ryan, who Olivia had as well.  He was great and she learned so much. 

 Just after the flip.

 Natalie passed her class and became an excellent diver.  Her class was full of kids that all wanted to be first, just like Nat.  I felt bad for the teacher.  What a great dive.

 This is Natalie's flip.  She really surprized me.

 Olivia was basically in heaven at all times.

 Getting dropped off the diving board was quite a feat.

 Here is her class and teacher on the last day.

We ended with shaved ice, which was pretty hard to find since the summer season was over.  It was still worth it and no one complained about the frigid water.

Florida 1

Our trip to Florida was such a break, especially for Jeff.  It was a business trip, that I was able to accompany Jeff on.  The first part of the trip was in Orlando at the JWMarriott.  Jeff went to classes in the day then we met up at breaks and played at night and on the last day.  Orlando is really a beautiful place, but not what I expected.  In fact in some parts it reminded me of downtown Fresno with the Palm trees and outside malls.  In the days it normally rained really hard for a few minutes then cleared right up.  The resort had a lazy river and a volleyball court.  I was surprised that we actually had a pick up game with some other guests and played with the brokers the next night.  We went to a Medieval Times and floated the Lazy River. We spent this time with the Jamie and Janet.  It was very hot and humid, just like we expected, but so beautiful.

Hurdles

Even though this was before the reunion, I just loved these pictures that Sarah took of the kids jumping

hurdles.  What athletes!

 

The Reunion

This year to prepare for the reunion Annalisa and Kristen made 492 cookies.  They were all delicious!!

We played a lot before the reunion, but this year the official reunion was in an IF hotel.  Lisa planned it and it really turned out fantastic.

 Water ballet as often as you like.  They swam about 3 times at least.

 
Lisa welcomed us with the theme "Together We Stand." This reunion was kind of a memorial to Dad and how he felt about his family and how we can do anything if we love and support each other.  Together we can handle any trial or obstacle.
We started off with a get to know you game where we asked everyone the same question.  But, each person had a different question to ask.  It was fun.  Lisa also organized and assembled a book that had each person's interests and asked questions, so we could see what we have in common with each other.

Everyone received a keychain with all the names and the temple to remember. 
Then Lisa asked me to write a song with this theme.  I wrote it as if Grandad were speaking.

The older grandkids sang it with Elliotte accompanying.

Next it was Fooz Ball at the church.  It was a blast.

The next morning we went to the cemetary.  Everyone received a balloon and at the same time we let go sending a message to Grandad.  It was really neat to see all the balloons go.  It was a great feeling.

Next we cleaned up the cemetary and fixed the sign for a service project.

After a picnic and ice blocking or frisbee golf....

we ended back at the hotel for Cafe Rio and popcorn and a movie.