Swimming lessons

This weekend Olive had her first "big girl" swimming lesson. This means she goes by herself with a group of preschoolers and teachers. No Mom and Dad in the pool!

Heading into the pool, doing some self talk to get herself through it:

Checking out the pool:

Getting introduced to the other kids and teachers:

Practicing kicking:

Getting some practice in:

Learning some new skills with the teacher:

The parents all stood and watched, which was very difficult for all of us. I have no doubt the teachers know what they're doing but it was so nerve wracking to watch these tiny kiddos clinging to the edge of the pool. Some would let go and "walk" out a few feet and then realize they couldn't really stand very well and somehow make it back to the wall. Olive stayed close to the wall, and about 20 minutes into the class, Sam and I could see her saying, "I'm getting tired of holding on. My arms are tired." But of course no one could hear her in the noisy pool. She got through it! I can't decide if I can stand watching again next week or not! Either way, we were proud of Olive for doing it, even though she was nervous.

Easter Festivities

A few days before Easter, Olive and Irene got the eggs prepared:

They also tried on some hats appropriate for Easter while crafting:

On to Easter! We spent the morning at Nana and Papa's house hunting for eggs, jelly beans, and procuring many Easter baskets and goodies.

Looking for eggs on the porch:

Posing with cousins:

And on to the jellybean hunt inside (a Zabel family tradition):

Mmmmmm:

Olive has recently discovered the old tricycle that my parents have kept around since I was a kid. It is just her size and she loves riding it:

Enjoying a delicious brunch in Easter hats:

The girls try to corral Oscar:

And then we took a long walk around the neighborhood:

Olive and Irene chose to ride on shoulders:

Oscar caught a ride in the stroller:

Cuddling with Daddy on the way back home:

Sooooo nice

To be at the playground:

Agreed, Olive. Agreed.

So nice to be at the playground, indeed.

Bugs and ice cream

Last week Olive and I made a bug jar. We headed out to find some bugs for it but didn't have too much luck. Since the snow had just barely melted, I don't think there were many living beings hiding out there.

Olive was still happy to search for "creatures" as she kept saying:

At least there was some grass, sticks and dirt to add:

Olive will tell you what we did find:

After all that searching, we were hungry and headed out to dinner.

We went to The Malt Shop, where it is always appropriate to have a malt appetizer before dinner:

Some cuddles while we wait for food:

And ice cream for dessert:

Spring? Is that you?

There have been glimpses of spring here in the twin cities the last couple of weeks and we have taken full advantage of every ray of sunshine, balmy breeze, and temperature above 45 degrees.

Last week, Olive thought taking her doll stroller for a walk would be a good plan, so off we went:

Olive always wants to take breaks along the way:

Helping get rid of the last of the snow:

And the first sandbox session of the season:

Video and interview (yeah, good luck following it):

Yo Gabba Gabba!

When we heard Yo Gabba Gabba was doing a Live tour, we knew we had to take Olive. She's been a big fan for most of her life. Sam and I were trying to remember how we/she first saw it but neither of us really know! Our first introduction may have been this Elijah Wood clip.

Heading out, with Brobee and Foofa in tow:

In her seat, ready for the show to start:

Still ready:

Here it comes:

Sam wearing DJ Lance glasses. He wore them the entire time:

In house Gabba band, The Aquabats performed (the creator of the show is in the band):

Intermission ice cream break:

A big highlight was Biz Markie. You may remember from this post that Olive has always been a fan of beat boxing:

Olive giving it her best try:

And more Biz:

Our Dancey Dance friend was local celebrity, Slug (of Atmosphere), so that was fun, too.

Happy girl heading home:

And when we got home, what would be better than putting on Gabba pajamas, cuddling Gabba guys, and reading a Gabba book before bed?:

A perfect ending to the perfect day (for a 3 year old).