Good news - we are half way through summer and most camps are finished! I know that here in the Bartlett house things are slowing down. For the first time this summer there is only one scheduled activity and its swimming at 7pm (had to do it late because all camps,etc are in the morning).
My highlight is Christopher really likes golf. He played well and he was sad to see it end.

I will have to remember to take pics of my kids in swimming. The older ones are just their for exercise and something to do. Jack I wanted to put in a shrimps class but they were all full for the times I could do. It is difficult to get all 5 kids in classes within an hour - finding availabilities. So I made an executive decision based on information at hand (he can put his face in the water easy peasy - only requirement for otter class) and registered him for otters.

I watched the otter class before his and it was this cute girl who played games and had all the kids wait on the steps and just really fun, cute and easy. This was just not meant for my Jackie...nope. Of course he got the teacher who I was later told pushes the otters the most (nice and friendly though). Sure enough they are pushed to swim the width of the pool (not too far what 8 feet...maybe) no cute "chop, chop, timber" games for my boy.

First day they walked to the deep end of the pool and Jack couldn't make it half way because he is just so much shorter it was already up to his neck. He just stood there confused and looking at me for help...poor, sweet Jackie. The instructor came and got him. He wigged out the first day and my other kids were so worried they each stood in front of the class staring and biting their nails in nervousness --- that couldn't have helped. Me? I walked away and hid behind a wall --- I peeked but also figured he would do better not to see my tears :) ** Good news - I never gave the multitude of people probably staring a second thought! Yeah me! Just gotta do what I gotta do! Really less stressful that way - is that maturity? WOW! **

Next day I told him I would sit with him if he didn't cry (tough love - I know). He did good -- cried each time he went to the teacher but still much better. I have high hopes for this week!