sunny almost-summer days

Sitting in the sun by the pool, it is hard to remember that summer hasn't officially begun! It sure seems like it from out point of view. The kids are enjoying the pool, which is clear but still bracing, daily. Thomas has not, however, actually jumped off the diving board. That is still a few weeks off, judging from his initial attempts at swimming again: he needs a refresher course before he can perform the tricks he did so easily at the end of last summer.

Iain is less inclined toward the big pool. We have set up the small pool next to it, and he quite enjoys jumping in and going headfirst down the little slide. His greatest pleasure, unfortunately, is the 10-yard dash down the pool deck. Nineteen months old is apparently far too young to grasp the 'no running on the pool deck' rule. Also, he is still not able to remember the skinned-knee lesson. So, I repeat myself, and he keeps running. Eventually, we put him back in the little pool, or steer him to some other poolside activity.

Anna has returned to swimming much more quickly than Thomas, who was more proficient at the end of last summer. She still 'swims' with her head up and feet down (yes, it's a real dog-paddle!), but she is gaining confidence, and is much stronger than she was last summer. We hope that she will learn a proper swimming stroke this summer. In any case, she is sure to enjoy herself: she splashes in the small pool with Iain a bit, but spends most of her time in the big pool. By the time we finally coax her out, she's practically blue--but incredibly happy!

This summer will be busy: Anna and Thomas have a special three-week program at school, and then we have trips planned to the beach and to England. I know that the summer will fly by--but we plan to make the most of it!