summer fun

the grandparents are in town for a nice long visit. long summer days. lots of activity, laughter and tired tears. th5 started swim lessons this week. what a trip. today she put her head under the water and found three diving sticks. floated on her back. jumped in by herself. pat and i stood watching her class. all grins, inflated chests, and held back tears. i turned to him at one point and all i could say was "doesn't this just feel so... wierd?" she's always been fiercly independant - but this just seems like such a big step... out. proud moments. clouded meloncholy. deep breath. hold. plunge.