Olympic training

I've completed my second week of swimming lessons. It's not the water that's been the problem. I like swimming pools and baths, and I don't mind shoving my face under water or blowing bubbles (the first task we did in swim lessons). But the instructor has taken some time for me to become friendly with.

Mr. John is a cool guy. Don't get me wrong. But I'm supposed to trust my life in his hands after meeting him three minutes ago? Well, I've accepted the fact that when I go to swimming lessons, Mr. John is going to be there. It's a given. And after two weeks, I've grown to like the guy -- just don't let him know that.

Mommy is doing a great job helping me out. We blow bubbles, kick our feet, grab the water and then grab the wall and hold on. Then we swim across the pool and ride around in our floats -- I always get the yellow hippo.

The last exercise that we do is the best. Mr. John makes me swim to Mommy and gives me a boost along the way. I always go under water just before Mommy swoops in to grab me. I love it -- especially since we get suckers after the lesson is over.

I've met some friends during swimming lessons, too. The first week I met Mattie and her mommy. She's really little, only 8 months old. But I like her. She wasn't there this past week, so I wonder if she dropped out. Not me. I've got two more weeks of lessons and then on to something else!

Hudson W. Pate

Splish, splash ...

Let me just say something right now: It's hot. It's been like 95 degrees every day for the past week, and man, when we go outside at school, I sweat. I hope I don't stink it up afterward. So what's the answer? Get in the water!

While Mommy was gone to San Francisco (and escaped from Alcatraz), I got a small swimming pool. And boy, does it keep a person cool in these hot summer months (global warming, anyone?). I got to splash around and have a good time. Then came the big news: I'm going to begin swimming lessons next week! Can't wait for that. They're Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and last four weeks. I'll provide an update for sure.

I had a good time with Grammy and Memaw and Paw while Mommy was gone. We went to Acworth Beach one day and I got to play in the sand a little and me and Grammy walked in the shallow end of the lake. Problem was, I didn't pack any extra clothes. So when I sat down in the water, I was soaked. I did what anybody would do -- took my clothes off and ran around in my diaper at the park for about an hour. Great time. I just hope I didn't offend anyone there.

It's been a really fun couple of weeks recently. Went to Nashville and hung out with Nana for a few days. Had a picnic in the backyard on my new picnic table (McDonald's hamburgers are good!). And I'm putting my slide to good use.

Ah, summertime. Does it get any better? Really, does it?

Hudson W. Pate