Back in 2008 a mother in our homeschooling group snapped these pictures of me and the kids down at the river for our weekly group hangout time. We were there again yesterday. What a difference five years makes. Not clinging to my elbows, the kids were off in an Orca pod of teenagers swimming in the middle of the river until it was time to leave. Doing, basically, exactly what they do on dry land, but in the water. Sometimes I miss the baby days. But I never miss them when we're at the river. Independence, capability, and skill are in all ways beautiful to behold, never more so than around deep water. Still, look at 'em. They were so young way back then. Note: sun safe, even in those days.