Final Swimming Lesson of the Season: Excelling at Recreational Activities

While he's got more work to do on the basics of swimming, Dexter certainly enjoyed swimming to capture a ball and throw it in the goal. His form when swimming to the ball leaves a lot to be desired - he looks like he's riding a bicycle underwater.

I think holding the ball and focusing on getting to the goal distracted him from his fear - his form is much more horizontal and he's kicking his legs behind him rather than underneath him!

Dexy was thrilled when he got the ball in the goal exclaiming with a huge smile, "I got it in and the net fell down!"

He also really enjoyed riding the "turtle". Initially he was worried about going into the "deep" end of the pool but he quickly got over it.

Final Swimming Lesson of the Season: Making Strides on the Fundamentals

Dexter has come a long way since his first swimming lesson.  Now, with some serious concentration, he is able to kick his legs behind him (rather than out to the side like he was initially doing). 

He's even able to jump into the pool (as long as the instructor is close enough to catch him). But he's still worried about his head going under - he'll blow bubbles but won't intentionally put his nose in the water.

And he's getting better at climbing out of the pool (but still needs some help from the instructor).

Legoland Helicopter Ride?

I'm not sure why there was a helicopter ride at Legoland (I'm pretty sure it wasn't made out of legos!) but Dexy sure enjoyed it. "When we went on the helicopter, it went around and around and then when Daddy pedaled, we went way up high into the sky, all the way to the ceiling!"

Enjoying Lego Exhibits

Even though Dex enjoyed all the intricate worlds and characters made out of legos, he still draws inspiration for his own lego-building from tractor pulls and houses.  No fear of Darth Vader (no clue as to Darth Vader).

 Standing in front of a replica of Chicago.

In front of lego jungle with a little monkey peering out over his head.

Lego Mania at Legoland

Dexy was living out his design, engineering, and construction dreams at Legoland! It was perfectly set up for the build/test loop. Build...

 Test...

Build...

 Test...

 Build...

Test...

Continuing the Collaboration

Dex and his new friend had such success building a pile of sand that they decided to collaborate on a more ambitious construction project.

They used logs and other materials to build a "house".

Dexy learned that sometimes he could be the director but sometimes he needed to the actor if he wanted to successfully complete the project.

Collaboration Takes Communication

Dexy was excited to find a playmate in the big sandpit at the zoo. He learned that he needed to use words to collaborate.

And he learned that other people had words too! They both did a lot of negotiating (Ben said Dexy really met his match) but had a fun time playing together.

And they successfully "built" a pile of sand together.