Quote #26.

Last quote for June:

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. –St. Augustine

I need to remember this. I’m one of those people who really likes routine and the comforts of my own home and surroundings. I won’t deny it. I’m generally very content at home. I see this in my boys as well. Much as they talk about wanting to go to Legoland and the Eiffel Tower, in general they’re homebodies as well. But. I want for them to experience the world…to learn from their travels and the diversity they can encounter. I can’t give that to them at home. So. Here’s hoping that finances allow for more travel with intent to explore and discover…soon. 

Father's Day.

So, on Father's Day, the boys participated in their second fun run in the Healthy Kids Run Series for 2011. They're really loving these and I love that they love them. :) This one wasn't as well organized as the first; but, in the end, everyone crossed the finish line and was happy. 

Noah improved upon his previous time...Asher did a great job and sprinted to the finish line...and Micah felt considerably less tired after this one. Note, Micah ended up doing only a half mile instead of the full mile this time...which probably has a good deal to do with his additional energy, lol. Also, yes, Nathan ran with Micah again (it was so confusing at the starting area we weren't sure he'd know when or where to go on his own...plus they ran the age groups in waves this time...didn't let the next group start until the previous one finished...which meant that Micah didn't start till about 30 minutes after Noah had). And, no, Nathan's not texting on the phone in his hand. He was keeping time for Micah and they were getting ready to cross the finish line. ;) 

In any case, after the fun run, we headed to Fort Fun for our traditional Father's Day round of miniature golf:

(For previous years' pictures, check out this post...scroll down.)

And that was pretty much that for our Father's Day. Not hugely exciting this year, but fun all the same. :)

Quote #25.

This week's quote:

Habits are cobwebs at first, cables at last. – Chinese proverb

We’re going on a road trip soon. I find that I’m actually going to miss being able to stick to my exercise routine that I’ve finally established. (Hey, by the way, I've been doing a good job of actually exercising regularly!) I’m even planning to pack my running shoes. Wow. I think this quote sums it up so nicely…I feel like I’ve finally gotten my exercise habit to a place of strength. Yay, me!

Swim team!

Noah had his first swim meet of the summer yesterday. As this was his first ever experience with a swim meet, we discussed ahead of time how his goal was simply to learn from the experience. In true Noah fashion, he watched diligently...noting what works and what he'd like to work on. All in all, a good morning. :)

(The other two boys, btw, were troopers. They hung out with us and played on the iphone, played some cribbage together, read books, snacked and watched their brother. I didn't even have to use my lecture about how Noah sits through their karate practices and such regularly, lol!)

So, Noah participated in the medley relay (50 yards for each swimmer...sorry, I know there's a proper term for this but my memory isn't working right now, lol). He did the back stroke leg of the relay. It's his favorite stroke. ;) He also participated in the individual 50 yard back stroke and the individual 50 yard breast stroke.

All good. Now. Things I'd love advice on:

• How to take better swimming photos. I just flipped my camera to sports mode today...was feeling too tired to try anything else. :)
• What the best thing is to feed a swimmer between heats. Fruit? Noah was there from 7 am until about 11 am and refuses to eat anything before starting. I did manage to get part of a power bar into him between individual events and made sure he drank water but know there's probably a better course of action.
• How often one needs to wash swim suits. Um, how often should I be washing this stuff? Are there special tips and tricks? (Right now, I wash suits on gentle and air dry after each use...I do this every other day or so, saving up until I have suits and towels for all three boys and for Nathan, who's started swimming laps in the mornings again.)

Really. I'd love any and all thoughts. While I was mostly prepared for what soccer would entail (having watched all of my younger brothers and sisters do youth soccer for years), I only remember a summer or two of my middle sister doing swim team. And I was distracted and now don't remember much. ;) Thanks!

Quote #24.

Monday again already? Here's my quote for the week:

The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind, the answer is blowin’ in the wind.  –Bob Dylan

I’m not sure what the question is, though. Yes. It’s going to be that kind of week. ;)