Summer Fun

This summer we continued with our tradition of spending a lot of time at the neighborhood pools. And this summer we branched out quite a bit and went to pools that we had never been to before. We had always stuck with the kiddie pool, which is still an enjoyable one but as Rachel mastered swimming she wanted to go to some of the deeper pools. And of course Audrey has absolutely no fear of the water, so the deeper pools were fun for her as well (just a little more stressful for mom).

As summer was coming to a close I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures all summer long at the pool. We were just always too busy playing to worry about dragging the camera and getting some pictures. So, over Labor Day weekend I made sure to take my camera. The girls and I went to the kiddie pool on Saturday (Andy was out of town) and I was able to grab a few pictures of them. I love how they would play together at the pool and be entertained doing the simplest things. Here's a picture of them playing with stackable cups and the watering can:

The slides are always a fun option as well:

On Monday we headed to one of the deeper pools that actually became Rachel's favorite this past summer. It was a hard one to go to very often because it didn't open up until 11 AM on weekdays. Which makes for very little swim time before lunch and naps need to be had. But next year the 11 AM opening will probably work out perfectly with a baby hopefully taking 2-3 naps a day. Anyhow, Andy was back home and we enjoyed the pool as a family. Once we got in the water, I didn't take any more pictures. The girls especially enjoy having their daddy throw them in this particular pool. As you can tell from the pictures you get to see their swimsuits all faded, well-used, and stretched out. That's what happens when you go to the pool at least 3 times a week...

We love how whether or not we make plans with friends, we always seem to run into friends at the pool. On Labor Day we ended up spending time with two other families. The girls (especially Rachel) love when there are friends to play with.

Rachel mastered swimming this year. Her swim teacher has tried to encourage me to put Rachel in swim team next year, but I don't know if we will. It's a huge time commitment, I'll have a new baby, you have to sit out in the heat, and Rachel's not really interested. She loves to swim, but she has no desire to compete. So, we'll see.... Maybe we'll hold off until the next year. We get enough swim time as it is for her to keep up her skills. Who knows, maybe by May she'll be interested. It will be fun to put Audrey in swim lessons next year and see how she does. I'm thinking by the end of next year we'll have two swimmers, unless Audrey grows fearful of the water over the winter... Hopefully that won't happen!

We are excited for next summer. Our HOA is currently putting in a whole new swim facility that will have a lazy river, inner-tube water slide, splash pad, and plenty of pool to play in. So, I'm sure next summer we'll have lots of fun at the pool as usual! The pools make the hot Texas summers bearable. :)