Aqua freedom

Memorial Day weekend nearly always marks the beginning of summer lake swimming. Today was no exception, though the water was extremely refreshing (chilly). We enjoyed ourselves despite the cool of the water. Dennis tried out his kayak for the first time today. He seemed to intuitively grasp the mechanics of paddling and steering. He didn't flip the kayak but did jump off so he could learn how to climb back on. He loves his kayak and is thrilled with his skills in piloting it. We are pleased at its sturdiness and maneuverability and its resistance to flipping. All those phrases about it being a kid friendly model in the online description were quite accurate. He can really zip around in the thing!

Hours in the water always make us hungry, and we shared yet another fine meal with family & friend. How relaxing it was to spend a recreation day on the water, to share good company and conversation. Dennis put down the iPad (at our insistence) and was soon begging for more funny family stories. Though several family members were missed, the time was still well spent and highly enjoyable. And we are ready for a repeat tomorrow!

The graduate (g-rated)

Today Dennis' class had a little graduation party. His teacher asked them to raise their hands if they wanted to tell something they had learned this year in Kindergarten.  Dennis raised his hand but kept squirming out of his chair in his eagerness to share.  When he finally remained seated, she called on him and he had forgotten what he so desperately wanted to say. She asked what he'd learned in science, and he said they'd learned all the shapes.  She asked him to name a shape that he'd learned.  I don't know what I was expecting him to say, but it wasn't "rectangular prism", which was his answer.  He received his diploma and celebrated with his friends, and now he has finished his first year of elementary school.  Summer, here we come!

Show-off

Dennis attended a church event for 5th & 6th graders tonight. It was big fun for him, especially since they were having shaving cream battles and wrestling in jello. After an hour, they all went in to clean up and change, and while they were eating, they all got out their iPods and phones. Dennis went to the car and got his phone, too. It caused a stir, as it always does. "YOU have an iPhone? And you're in what, KINDERGARTEN?" followed by, "Mrs. Christi, is that really his phone?". Yes, I tell them. I give the reasons, as usual. It was cheaper than an iPod touch or any of the Leap Frog learning devices. He can Face Time or text his grandparents, who are in another country. He always hogged our iPhones before he got one. Sure, there are infinite numbers of learning apps. Sure, I can call him if he's in the men's room too long. It has its benefits.

He told me in the car on the way home that he loves it when kids react that way to him having a phone, especially an iPhone. It reminds him of how fortunate he is. And it makes him feel cool enough to hang with the bigger kids. He's always kind enough to let others play with it, so I fear a little less that we are teaching him rampant materialism. He's very excited that he has a Bible app that he can read on his phone.

There, I think I've convinced myself that I'm not a terrible parent. iPhones are just terribly useful devices, and I'm glad that he enjoys it.