Pool Play

Since we left our nice big swimming pool the apartment complex offered we've been looking for something for the children to enjoy. Even though there are some very cool public pools and water slides here we're just not ready for such a setting. I finally got lucky and came across a little pool for the children that was larger than 3 feet in diameter. We'd considered one of those inflatable pools but I'd read so many negatives about them. Besides, I like how I can just tip this over when we're all done, drain the water and then store it in the shed until next time. Yesterday afternoon was our first time in the little pool. The children loved it! But I learned a few things. Next time I'll fill up the pool one or two hours before so the water can warm up a bit. I tried to go wading in the pool with the kids but the water was ice cold, even in the 97-degree heat! Anna's teeth were chattering, so I had to get the children out of the pool after about 25 minutes. Also, even though we didn't go out until 3:30 p.m., I'm so freaked about them getting sunburned. I sprayed sunscreen on them when we got outside but then began worrying that I should have put it on them 30 minutes before we even went out into the sun. (Hence, the hats -- even though they're way too small!) To ease my fears, next time I'll administer sunscreen before. After I dragged the children out of the pool, we went around to the front yard to kick the ball and play with rocks (one of Alexander's favorite things to do) exposed by the removal of the bushes. By then, the kids were hot enough to enjoy three mini Popsicles each out on the back deck!

This morning I think we'll take a quick little trip over to the mall before our friend comes over to finish fixing our stairs at 11 a.m. I think we'll try swimming again after their nap. That way, I can fill up the pool while they're sleeping.

(Moe, I'll get you some house pics -- even though not even one room is photo-ready. All of our wall art remains boxed up and there is still furniture to purchase.)