Staying Out Late to Celebrate his Accomplishment

For once, it was Daddy who couldn't make one of Dexter's events due to work so Dexy and I met Daddy afterwards at the Olive Garden (Dexy's choice - he's crazy for their minestrone soup!) for a celebration of our Tiny Tiger. Dexy was exhausted by the time we got there but he did wear his headband for Daddy. Even before we were seated, Dexy had gone goofy.

 Going...

 Going...

Gone :)

Basking in the Glory

Dexter was excited to receive recognition for his accomplishments. He loved that everyone was clapping for him.

He got help putting on his new Tiny Tigers headband.

And he received a patch for his belt (temporarily taped on)!

While he was excited to receive his headband, he was less than excited to keep the headband on his head. "It feels funny. I don't want to wear it."

Tiny Tiger Headband Testing

Dexy had his testing for the next level in Tae Kwon Do - the Tiny Tiger headband (I'm pretty sure that is not a standard Tae Kwon Do level).

Ben and I prepared him in advance: Be sure to listen carefully and do what they ask you to do. No talking while others are testing. Pay attention, stay focused.

I hadn't seen him in class for a long time and was really impressed with all the new moves and his ability to follow multi-step instructions.  After doing it with a black belt along side him, he had to do it all by himself. He did a great job!

He didn't talk while others were testing but he did have to be hushed for humming.

Nature Walk with Daddy

Yesterday morning was beautiful so Dexy and Daddy went to the river behind the library and took a nature walk. Dexy did some log sitting, stone skipping, path walking, and bridge crossing.

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!"