We got Ella a little swim vest this summer and she has be doing really well. At the start of the summer she could kick and move her arms, but as long as we held on to her. Now she is doggy paddling pretty much by herself. She knows how to get in and out of the pool, including the deep end, by herself, and she loves swimming the whole length of the pool.
For the 4th of July we went and stayed with Grandma and Papa for a few days and got to see Aunt Kelly and the boys. Ella had a good time playing in the kiddie pool and sand box with her cousins and eating smores. We then went to Liam's gym to watch the fireworks. His gym is just a few blocks away from where the fireworks were being set off, so it was nice a close, but not too close. They had a tumble mat out for the kids to play on and Liam did a great job showing off his tricks. Ella did try a few summer salts while the teens cheered her on, I think a gymnastics class will be in her future.
This summer we've been trying to introduce the idea of potty training. We tried to do that last year and it didn't take. This year I borrowed every DVD and book on potty training that I could find. Ella loves them. We read and watch them all the time, which is good because I think it is starting to take an affect. We've been trying the naked method a little bit, mostly because it's so hot, and that seems to work well. She isn't thrilled and gets quite upset going poopy on the potty, but tonight she went pee pee and did great. She wasn't scared or upset, and she sang the potty song all the way up to bed time. It's ok if poopy takes awhile, but if we can make some progress going pee pee, hopefully she'll learn going poopy isn't that much different. We are very proud of her for the progress she is making, and hopefully she is too.
Other news, Ella's language skills are really starting to take off. She is telling us more of what she wants and needs. She is also answering questions better, and asking them as well. She is still reading the same sight words, but that is great. She is starting to draw shapes and telling us what her pictures are about. This week I am starting her on Japanese. Tonight she learned a new word: Astui, which means "it's hot." She's at the right age to learn and it will force me to stay rooted in the language. So we are excited to see how this goes, I think teaching her via song will work the best, because she loves music so much.
So that is what we've been up to, here are some pictures from our summer so far.
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| At a birthday party with all of her little friends. |
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| Playing at the play ground during the party. |
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| 4th of July picnic in the park. |
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| Being silly with cousins. |
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| Sweet smiles. |
