Brantley's new roommate

We finally rearranged Brantley's room - again. I had to take a picture because it's never this clean.

Next step is to get his closet organized. I have a plan, I just have to get in the mood to do it when I have the time to do it.

While we were rearranging, Brantley was helping. He kept asking if he could put Hermie in his room. I figured, why now. I told him he has to make sure he had food and water now. Here's Hermie's new spot in the house.

Swim Lessons

Today was Brantley's first swim lesson. He's been getting around the pool just fine with his ring and his swim trainer (if I can get him to wear it!) but I really wanted him to start swimming without the flotation aids. I found out that a girl in my office used to give swim lessons while in college so I immediately asked if she would be willing to come out and give Brantley lessons. She agreed and was just as excited about it as Brantley was. It was the first thing out of his mouth this morning, and all he could talk about as soon as I picked him up today. He did really well, but I think he was paying a little too much attention to me on the side of the pool. I didn't get in because I figured he really wouldn't listen, so I watched from the side. He did really well and is fearlessly jumping in the pool now - without his ring! Here is a picture after we got home and he already changed into his sleepy clothes. He should sleep good tonight, if I can get him in bed!

The Zoo with our cousins

Saturday we spent several hours at the zoo with our cousins from Texas and Mt. Juliet. We had such a good time, despite the heat. The favorite exhibit this time was the Lorikeets, except for Brantley. I think the Meerkats are always his favorite. There was even a baby Meerkat there this weekend. So cute and small. Check out the pictures here. You don't have to log in to see them.

Trouble

Brantley got in trouble today on the field trip. At the beginning of summer camp we were told that if any of the children could not behave on the trips, they would not be allowed to go. Well, Brantley wasn't listening today so he does not get to go on the next field trip. At least it's just one he can't go on. And, it's just as well because the next field trip is bowling, and we all know what happened the last time we went bowling. I was hoping that he would tell me about it without me having to ask about it but he didn't. He just asked me if I was mad at him. I said no, why would I be mad at him and he said I don't know. He even lied to me when I asked about it. He said the field trip was fine. I asked if he got in trouble on the field trip and he said no. After some more prodding, he admitted what happened and was very upset about it. Punishment: no bowling field trip next week and no TV tonight. I'm thinking I should have done a bit more though.

Hermie

We've had our hermit crab, Hermie, for 3 years now. At least, I think it's been three years. He has molted 3 times but I swear he's not any bigger than we we got him. Brantley likes to get him out every now and then but mostly we just watch him in the aquarium. Look what that crazy crab is trying to do....

Swimming

I bought Brantley this cool swim suit.




















I put it on him to go to the pool today and he was not happy at all. I finally told him he better straighten up or we wouldn't be going to the pool. He was upset about it. He said people would laugh at him and that it made him look like he had a big belly. I told him he had to at least try it. If he didn't like it, I would put his other suit on. Well, guess what! He can swim! The suit is great. You still have to watch pretty closely because it won't completely keep him from going under. He has to move his arms and legs, but it works great and he can swim!

Fun in the pool

It's going to be a good summer in the pool. Brantley is loving it. We spent several hours in the pool at grandma's this weekend. I bought these super soaker flash flood water guns and Nathan had one so we had a water gun fight it the pool. The water guns are as big a Brantley, but that didn't stop him. Everyone had fun, and even grandma go into the water gun fight. Brantley really enjoyed it. He's fearless this summer when it comes to jumping in.