Let's Go Swimming!

Yesterday the boys wanted to go "swimming" in their pool so we filled it with water; they did their traditional "CANNONBALL!" yell as they raced each other and jumped into the pool. 

I love that little pool and dread the day they outgrow it.  It's a perfect size for both of them and I even squeeze in when it's over 90 degrees outside.

You have to appreciate its low maintenance; I think we bought it from Toys R Us for $10 and we're on our second season using it.  When they're done playing, we empty the water and flip it over to dry.  It is a relief from the in-ground pool we had at our last house. Granted, in-ground pools are nice, especially when you live in Florida, but they are a lot of work unless you have a pool guy. Since there were no good looking pool guys with big guns and 6-pack abs available to clean it, I did the massive job myself, chemicals and all. Now realizing what a daring 4-year-old I have, I'm even more glad not to have a large pool because even with swimming lessons, the fear remains.

So my sons were having a blast splashing and yelling and I looked over and saw a toad, who was staring at me. I went over to him and stared back. We just kept looking at each other, in a Mommy-Frog-stare-down-kind-of-way, or perhaps he was waiting for me to start a conversation about bugs. I reached down and picked him up and he hung on to my fingers with his lanky legs.  I looked at my boys and I just couldn't help myself -- I put Freddy Frog in the pool with them.

They weren't shocked at all (maybe a bit surprised that I would actually touch a frog!) and Freddy instantly became the new pool toy.  They were gentle with him -- well, as gentle as little boys can be with a frog -- putting him on Tupperware lids for lily pads. 

Freddie was a good sport.  Eventually, he jumped on my arm as if to say, "Look Lady, enough already..." so I got him out and put him back in the grass. 

Things like this always remind me of the simple things in life.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun with your children, just take a look around and enjoy what you already have.