Conner's Swim Team Skills

Conner is turning into a fish. He joined the Club Sport Marlins Swim Team this year and has been working hard to get faster. When he joined in May of 2009 he had never swam the full length of a 25 meter pool. Now he swims many, many laps without a problem. His freestyle time has plummeted from 35 seconds at the beginning of the season to around 26 seconds now. He can easily beat me on backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. In a year or two he should be able to take me in freestyle, but don't tell him :)

Hanging in the Backyard on a Hot Day

It's been hot for the last few days. While in a store, we discovered water balloons and decided we must have them. Off to the backyard with bathing suits and the fun began. I filled while Conner and Parker threw balloons around the yard. After a while it become more fun to throw them at themselves. Finally it deteriorated to Conner and Parker biting balloons for good fun. We had to get out the video camera.

After that, it was time for a real pool, so we headed down to Glenview and hung out for a couple of hours to beat the heat.

Kira and Dianne to Enter Tour de France?

Both Kira and Dianne have taken up cycling.

Road bikes, shoes that attach to the pedals, fancy spandex clothing, helmets, and uncomfortable seats; check!

Look out world, here they come!

July Family Hike

It was time for another family hike, organized by Julian, again. This time we ventured over to Mill Valley, parked the cars and then hiked for a couple of miles before getting to the ocean. We hung around, had lunch, enjoyed the waves.

Participants included Grandma and Julian; Tom, Dianne, Conner & Parker; AK; and Kent and Ben.

We had a lot of fun until Parker got bowled over by a wave. He decided the Ocean was not for him. After attempting to dry him off, we wandered slowly back to the cars and headed for home.

Another fun hike in the books.

Conner Learns to Skate

Dianne and I have not passed on much of our Canadian ancestry to our children. Conner went ice skating for the first time today and had a blast. He was invited to a birthday party and got to hang out with many of his (girl) friends, as not many boys showed up. Their loss, as everyone had a great time.

First time around he clung to the side. Next go around he let go once in a while, and by the end he was nearly fearless.

I think we are going to do this again.

LEGO Engineering Camp

Conner spent a week at camp learning about robotics, engineering, and other cool stuff.

Lego building blocks were used to build cars, robots, and other motorized machines.

Once built, they battled until the winner remained standing.

Parker tagged along once and was hooked. I think he'll be going in a few years.

Kira tagged along once and discovered that the instructor was her favorite high school teacher.

All in all, Conner had a great time.

Hanging By the Pool

Today was a leisurely day spent hanging out by the pool with the Archer extended family. Kira and Kirk joined in the festivities.

Kids spent most of the afternoon hanging out in the pool. Parents sipped margaritas, beer and other such things.

Rich, after several beer, managed to talk Kirk into a diving contest. See for yourselves who won. Next time the event will be more formal, with judges, scoring and fans.

July 4th Parade

Every year Danville has it's world famous July 4th parade. I think they have been doing this since 1776 and very little has changed. Everyone in town puts out their lawn chairs the night before to claim valuable territory along the parade route. Chairs range for $10 Costco specials to $300 lounge chairs. Of course no one steals them as this is Danville.

Parade day we all sit out in the hot sun and watch the same people march past us every year.

This year there was a new entrant into this glorious event. None other than Conner! He marched (strolled really) with his cub scout troop, held up the banner and passed out candy to the crowd. A fun time was had, but he was glad to be done so that he could sit, hang out, and collect candy.

Can't wait until next year!