Negligent Posting

I have been very neglectful lately! I have been busy catching up on my reading. I read or listened to 8 books in about 3 weeks. Most were my favorite genre, mysteries, but I also fell victim to The Hunger Games series. I was completely transported to Panem for a few days! I read all of Mockingjay, the third book, in one day. I was an avid reader before my boys. I have read and listened to some books in the past several years, but nothing like I used to. Even though The Hunger Games books are considered Young Adult, it felt good to read something other than children's books.
Speaking of children's books, the boys just turned in their reading lists from the summer reading program at our local library. Mayer is getting really into "reading" lately. He usually wants to read the book himself (aka point at the pictures and grunt until you tell him what it is). Typically, he picks the biggest (and heaviest) board books to carry around. Tate is starting to read a few words on his own. He recognizes about ten words by sight and can also spell most of them when they aren't in front of him. I'm considering starting a short chapter book with him; I just need to find the perfect book.
The boys have also been busy with swimming lessons. Monday through Thursday we are at the YMCA until 7 PM. By the time we get home and rinse off, we had to push their bedtime back to 8 PM. I'm so glad they both LOVE swimming, but this makes for two exhausted boys come Friday! I signed them up for 2 sessions, so we have another month to go.

Eventually, I would like them to at least try competitive swimming. If they don't share the Johnson family love for the sport, I will be sad, but I won't make them continue. The love for the sport goes through 2 generations. My dad and his brother, Alan, swam age group and high school swimming. My siblings and I, as well as several Johnson cousins, swam age group and high school too. I have taught swimming lessons since I was 15 and have also coached age group swimming on and off since I was 18. My dad is currently the assistant swim coach for Hutchinson High School. My brother also coaches age group and teaches lessons. As much as they have been enjoying their lessons and the Olympic trials, I think it's safe to say they interested for now.