So, after dance recitals, competitions, camp-outs, Mother's Day, and the busy-ness of May, comes Memorial Day weekend. Finally, a chance to breathe! Well, maybe not. Saturday morning began on a somber note for me as I went to Pastor Fred's funeral. It was beautiful and truly a celebration of his life and legacy. While I was so happy at the thought of his joy when he entered heaven, I was also sad because I will miss his kind, gentle spirit, his thoughtful ways, his wonderful teaching and music, and his joy of life. Okay, so back on track.... after the funeral, I took the kids to Marcie's bff's birthday party. The main attraction was horseback riding, which the kids loved. Even Joanna was willing to ride, and was much less afraid than the last time she had the chance to ride (and I made her ride around the small area that first time so that she would realize that she would be safe and it would be fun). Actually, Joanna might have ridden twice that Saturday.
The thing the kids looked forward to the most after the birthday party was swimming. I joined the pool in Hopewell right down the street from my parents. I used to work there as a teen-ager and of course, played there during my childhood and adolescence. The price was so much better than at the swim club near my house, so that's why I joined that one. Anyway, I had told the kids that since the weather forecast was for rain on Sunday, we would just plan to go to the pool on Monday. Well, they noticed that there wasn't a cloud in the sky and they really wanted to swim, so I took them on Sunday. As soon as we got there, it thundered and the pool was cleared. Since it really looked like it would blow over, we stayed. Sure enough, the sun came back out and the kids were able to play. You would never have known that they hadn't been swimming since last fall. They were so happy to be able to play in the pool, and I think they got about 2 hours worth before it began thundering again. Even though we couldn't see any lightening and it wasn't raining, it did seem that there would be a storm, so we left. I think a little while later, they closed the pool, though, there serious storms didn't come until much later.
Monday was beautiful, sunny and hot, but breezy. And, there was a cook-out at the pool -- $2 per person or $5 per family! So, we took advantage of that. The pool provided hot dogs, chips, drinks and folks were asked to bring a dish. I ate much better than the kids because I enjoyed the pasta salads and other dishes but the kids did eat pretty well (they like macaroni and cheese). After that, they played in the pool for hours and I was thinking as I watched them, "that might be the best money I've ever spent." Marcie's and Kyle's swimming skills (virtually self-taught) came right back. Joanna was doing really well swimming underwater some, too. Charlie was a bit braver this year than last year and the more time the kids spent in the water, the more proficient (at a basic level), they looked. Marcie was able to jump off the diving board and swim to the side unassisted. Kyle got brave enough to jump off once and I helped him to the side, but then he was too nervous, so he didn't try again. Swimming lessons begin July 5 and I am looking forward to the kids becoming even more skilled in the water. They do have a healthy respect for the water but it is really nice to see them enjoying the water with a bit less fear than they used to have. We are looking forward to a great summer in the water! :)
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