Pool Day

I finally did it.  I took all three kids to the neighborhood pool, by myself today.  I was nervous about going by myself because not one of my three children can swim.  Payton and Braydon are in swim lessons, but they cannot swim yet.  I do think swimming is starting to click with Payton.  I predict, she'll be swimming by the end of the summer.  

Bryce was so sweet.  I set him up in the stroller next to the pool.  He happily watched me trying to teach Payton and Braydon how to swim for about 20 minutes.  Then after we all ate lunch, we went to the baby pool so Bryce could play.  He had a blast!  He just crawled all over the place.  The best part of the pool for babies is that there is a zero degree entry.  Bryce crawled over to the fountains and played with Braydon's football.  He thought it was great.  He played for an hour solid in the pool without making a sound of complaint.  His little knees were red for the rest of the day after all that crawling around.  

On the way to the pool I told the kids my new mantra:

"No fighting, no crying.  No fussing, no whining."  They agreed to my conditions.  The best part is they actually followed through and behaved.  With them, if I set the expectations up ahead of time, things usually go much more smoothly.  The trick is to remember to set up the proper expectations in advance.  

I feel like summer has finally started.  It has been cool and rainy most of June.  I'm ready for the sun, the pool, backyard  barbecues, and leisurely days.