right down the hill from our house is a little community swimming pool, called Stigeli. Every time we drive past there, the kids ask "When can we go to Stigeli?" It is an outside pool, with no heat for the water. It is closed in winter and opens usually in May. So for the past several months the conversation has gone like this, "Mom, look there's Stigeli!" "When can we go to Stigeli?" "Not until summer, guys, it's closed in the winter." "Mom, it's summer, can we go to Stigeli?" "It's raining, guys, it wouldn't be any fun." "Is it open now?" "Yes, but it needs to not rain for two days in a row, then it will be warm enough to go to Stigeli."
Finally, finally, Saturday all the perfect conditions were met. We went down after lunch, first stopping off at Manor to buy the three girls new swimsuits. Papa came with us for the first time ever, and the kids were thrilled. We had such a great time. We stayed for about 2 hours, which was perfect. No one got sunburned, and they weren't so tired and worn out that they were crabby. Chris took the older kids into the deeper water and was tossing them as far as he could. Nick and Sophie liked it, Sarah not so much. He taught the girls how to float on their backs and use their arms and feet to move around the pool.
Noah, Alexandra and I hung out on the side, although towards the end I did take Alexandra in a little further. Chris took her a few times as well, but came to the conclusion that she was not ready for any dunking. She had fun splashing, though. And she looked so cute in her little suit. I gotta get a picture next time.
The biggest news of the day, though, was Nicholas. That boy has really improved in his swimming. He was the freestyle, running and jumping off the side, and even doing handstands! And the greatest achievement of all? He jumped off the diving board into the super deep water. (Papa was there to catch him) What bravery, to do something you are so scared of doing. Good job, Nicholas!