Wordless Wednesday - Swimming Graduate x 2

A few weeks ago I posted O with his swimming certificate.....well B graduated too, just a week later.  She ended up getting sick and missed 3 of the 8 classes so we had to reschedule.

The good thing with us waiting - is she got her original instructor back (she was on vacation the second week).  B was in love with her instructor Erin.

Funny thing - O & B graduated at the same level....so my 2 year old knows how to swim like my 6 year old!  Actually O had moved onto the next level and B just passed level 4...but still! ; )

Court Yard Hounds - "Amelita" Album Review

Since I work an hour away from home, I spend a LOT of time listening to music in the car.  It's my "reflection" time, or belt it out at the top of my lungs time!!  I love having the opportunity to review new albums and could not wait to review Amelita by Court Yard Hounds!

Do they look familiar?  Well they should, it's Emily Robison and Martie Maguire - 2/3 of the Dixie Chicks!  I for one was a HUGE Dixie Chicks fan - I don't necessarily agree with what they did/said, but I thought their music would surpass that.

The Court Yard Hounds recently released their newest album, Amelita. "It's a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, with plenty of Dixieland delight."

Amelita, the second album released by Court Yard Hounds consists of 11 tracks:

1. Sunshine

2. Amelita

3. The World Smiles

4. Aimless Upward

5. A Guy Like You

6. Rock All Night

7. Phoebe

8. Divided

9. Gets You Down

10. Watch Your Step

11. The Road You Take

My ultimate favorite track from this album is Sunshine - it is a bit more upbeat and I always catch myself dancing along.  My husband also calls me Sunshine, so I am a bit more drawn towards anything with the name in the title! ; )

My second favorite is Rock All Night - which I am sure will be on the radio soon.  It reminds me so much of Sheryl Crow!  (My husband was the first to make this comparison, so I guess we will give him the initial credit!)

I won't lie though, every time I listen to this album, I find another favorite, so I am sure it will not take long until the entire album is my favorite!!  

This is an album I can totally use to help reflect on my long drives to and from work.  They are relaxing songs without a ton of extras that you get in the pop music now. 

You can purchase this album now through Amazon or iTunes.

Want to keep up with Court Yard Hounds...you can follow them via Twitter, Facebook, or you can follow Emily Robison on Twitter, or Martie Maguire on Twitter.

Also, with the release of this album, they are going on tour - they kicked off at Lollapalooza performing my favorite track, Sunshine!

Disclosure: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.
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Wordless Wednesday - Swimming Graduate

This past Thursday Owen graduated from his swim lessons.  He finished the level 4 and was working on level 5.  Level 5 is learning how to breathe from the side while swimming freestyle.  So not only did he graduate....he is now officially a better swimmer than I am!

I'm not a swimmer, but I can get from point A to point B without a problem.  I hope to enroll O again in the spring so he can touch up a few things before the pools open up again for the summer.

B also took lessons, but she was sick the 2nd week and missed 3 out of the 8 classes.  We hope to make those up so she too can "graduate".  She will finish level 3, and will be working on level 4 (she's 1/2 way done with level 4).

If anyone is looking for a good swim school - check out Aqua Tots.  They are fabulous....to the point that I will not even consider anyone else for swim lessons.