August 24: private pools (of a sort)

Now that most of the kids in the area have gone back to school, we homeschoolers can crawl out of our summer hibernation and enjoy the world again. It might not be the most attractive mindset - that of "school kids ruin it all" - but when you get to explore the far corners of this gorgeous county in private, you get a little spoiled. Three other families at the beach? It's a crowded day! 

I knew a pool visit would be at the top of my list for this back-to-school week, and that visit was made doubly fun thanks to the company of Kevin and our homeschool co-op. For a few very, very lovely hours, our children were the only ones splashing in the pool. 

tiny specks of ash

We woke to a foggy day, smoke-tinged air, and the first spotting of ash in our area. It's like the clouds have dandruff. These wildfires are no joke. I remember the first time we had a wildfire summer, while living in Mountain View, and feeling astounded that the fires in Santa Cruz could be smelled so far away. I remember also, while camping on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, feeling large pieces of ash land on us from the fire across the rim. We have very little scale for the size and power of these fires. 

 too hot in the hot tub

But! Back to the pool. While the hot tub generally is off limits (and there is a big sign that says "NO CHILDREN UNDER 18 ALLOWED," which is enough for this rule-follower to tuck tail and skulk away), another mama shepherded some very excited kiddos into the empty tub. That hot tub made all the difference: typically, this part of SLO is cooler and quite breezy, and since it's not especially hot in this area, anyway, pool trips tend to be short. Jump in, splash, freeze, go home. But with the hot tub? You could warm yourself up like the little reptile you are...then hop back in the pool. (Or, in the case of Peter and his friend Violet, make a pact to jump in together and then...not.)

Once there were no available mamas, the kids quickly turned on their token 18-year-old-therefore-adult friend to accompany them. As far as I could see, the mixed-age vibe in the hot tub was about as good as could be expected. Teenagers looking to relax and talk probably didn't enjoy the water guns and kindergarten splashing. That is, however, the nature of mixed-age groups.

 safe on dry land

Anna B was here, but did NOT like the water. Kevin put her feet in, and she cried. But have no fear, because Mary did go into and out of and all around the water, including into the big pool with Kevin. Mary hasn't quite figured out if she likes water, She will reliably put some part of her body into some amount of water, and considering where she was two years ago, that's fine by me.

pool acro

The kids spent much more time in the pool than I would have thought. This includes Peter, who tends to be good for 30 minutes at most. Everyone hit a sweet spot with enough playmates willing to play the right kind of games. (Disclosure: Mary spent her time at the food table. Because Mary is in charge of snacks.)

 flipping and rotating

The bigger kids put their gymnastics skills to work, including some pretty impressive dives from Peter and Thomas. Both jumped and flipped into the pool, but Thomas also mastered diving into the water after his first try. I feel as though his skill set skews toward water in a big way.

On dry land, the girls tried out a new Australian toy that our friend is reviewing. Making friends with YouTube toy reviewers is a good idea, mamas! Although in this case, we were friends before the YouTube channel took off.

From the pool it was straight to gym, with just a minute or two to spare. Peter in a good hour of time with his friends, while Mary attracted bored children, like moths to a light, with episodes of Daniel Tiger. (I really lament every bad thing I said about children and technology, as #4 is determined to push all my buttons. BUT, I did read a few stories to her, and it attracted even more children than the tiny telephone did, including some 10+ kiddos.)

Kevin and I dared to think that with FOUR HOURS at the pool and then another hour of workout on top that the little kids would be sleepy and headed for an early bedtime. I even dared to say, "maybe we should change Mary's diaper, since she'll probably fall asleep on the drive home."

Ha!

Mary did not fall asleep, but she did help me make blueberry muffins for breakfast, so I guess I'll take it.