Well, when Samuel woke me up at 4am with complaints about his bottom hurting, I thought to myself “That’s weird”. I have been dealing with his stomach & bottom issues for about 2 weeks now. All along, I have attributed it to stomach issues and pretty much dismissed him when he complained. But when it woke him up, I knew I needed to investigate.
Poor, poor Samuel. He has a rash that looks like some sort of evil diaper rash on his bottom. Even though he hasn’t been in diapers in a year. Plus there are little red dots surrounding the rash that look like chicken pox or measles. I saw the dots and the rash and immediately I knew – he has “strep bottom”. I’m sure there’s a better name for it, but that’s actually what the doctor called it. Hurray.
So they swabbed his throat and bottom and gave me an antibiotic – the same amoxil that the other two boys are one (thank goodness for free antibiotics from Market Street) – and now we are only 24 hours from having 3 non-contagious kids. That doesn’t mean me or Brad are clear and free but so far, so good. Knock on wood and throw some salt over my shoulder.
So here are the infamous swimming pics. I think I am finally in a position to move them from the office hard drive onto my blog site. Just remember – I warned you they were marginal, at best.

Matthew was the brave one who went first

Matthew learning to kick

Peter swimming next

Peter kicking
On the first day, Samuel didn’t swim because he had just had all his shots. And on the following days, I apparently forgot my camera. Or wiped out the photos without uploading because I can’t find any of Samuel swimming. Maybe if we have more lessons before the summer is over, I’ll get some.
On another note, I served the boys the most wonderful supper on the patio last night. Just look!

Supper on the patio!
It was French Dip Sandwiches, homemade potato salad and homemade fruit salad! Yum! Unfortunately, the boys were not as excited about it as I was. While they were eating, I noticed six eyes peering in through the windows…I even took a picture of them:

Looking out at the boys looking in at me
Call it instinct. Call it my gut. Whatever. I knew something was up. Little did I know, something was up literally.

Hmmm...

What IS that thing???

Close-up
Ewww…it was a piece of meat! Peter had been catapulting his sandwich piece by piece into the fan, just to see how far the blades would throw the food. Argh!!!!
Now you tell me – what would you do with THIS???

Peter - photo taken by Matthew
Also – not that I’m counting the days or anything – but it’s officially August and that means we are only 3 weeks away from the start of school!!! Hurray and Hallelujah!!!