Yo Yo

Today, it seems, "Yo" is the way kids say "Hello."  

"Yo Yo" is the way kids tell each other they have lost their mind.

All of this is rather confusing to a 48 year old who remembers a "Yo Yo" to be a fun toy that requires hours of practice to become proficient. 

How rewarding that my ten year old has discovered the Yo Yo of my childhood and is trying hard to acquire the skill.

No "Around the World" or "Walking the Dog" yet.  But in time.

Strategy

As parents, we are always on the look out for teachable moments.  One such moment presented itself while swimming in the pool on vacation.

Skyler was playing chase in the pool with some new found friends from Texas. After loosing a couple of rounds he swam over and exclaimed "Dad, that kid is fast."

I thought for a moment and said "Skyler, fast swimmers are like Alligator's.  They are only fast in one direction where they can  build up momentum.  Try changing directions often - that should take away his advantage."

Minutes later, sitting on my float and soaking up the sun,  I see Skyler swimming over with a huge smile on his face.  "Hey, Dad. You were right.  I beat him."

Not willing to miss a teachable moment, I offered Skyler a glimpse of the bigger picture.

"Skyler,  never forget this lesson.  In life, there will always be someone stronger, bigger, smarter, faster or with more resources.  But you can usually prevail with good strategy.  Strategy is the great equalizer.  Use it."

He swam away, I smiled.  Those teachable moments, they don't take a vacation.

Sunscreen

When your ten, everything is a game.  Even the application of sunscreen.

Ping Pong

Completely enjoyed teaching Sky the game of Ping Pong and schooling him the art of the slam. 

I tried to teach him Grandpa Cain's wicked back-hand but I fear it missed the mark.  Perhaps Grandpa will have to come out of retirement and coach my man Sky.

Catch It!

Loved tossing the football with Skyman in the pool.  We love throwing it high to see who can go up and get it.  His reach is higher, his hands are getting better and he is getting harder to beat.

Future wide receiver?  Who knows.

Skim Board - Day 2

For the record, I told you so.  I told you he was down but not out. Sore but not sorry. Hurt but not hiding.  I told you so.

Vacation, Day 3. Skim Board, Day 2.  Skyler stands on a moving board, skimming across the water.

I won't lie.  It wasn't first thing this morning.  It wasn't easy.  And there was much more pain before the gain, but he kept trying and has officially stood his ground on the skim board.

Next up, mastering the skim board.  You just gotta love his spirit. (while treating his wounds).

Sea Shells

Bottoms up.  Skyler spent some time floating face down to look for sea shells.   Good time but not a lot of good shells on this particular day.