I sent out a mass email inviting Rose's friends and their families to come swim at Mom's heated open air pool in the afternoons and most of them are taking me up on it. Today we had a delightful date with Emma, a rising third grader Rose has had class with for two years; Lana, her five year old sister; Henry, her two year old brother; and Laura, their mom.

Things started a little dicey because after two weeks of really hot weather, it got kind of chilly. But we played with all the sturdy toys I grew up on, Fisher Price farm, school, school bus, and house. Then we made binoculars that could see fairy land out of these colored plexiglass building toys I adored as a child, and when David started careening around the room knocking everything down, we headed outside.

The kids went back and forth between the kiddie pool and the big pool. Laura stuck close to Henry, and all the other kids were all over me. I was actually really surprised that the five year old decided I was the greatest thing ever and every other word out of her mouth was "Look at me!" I felt quite complimented when I wasn't explaining to her that I had to keep my eyes on David too. David was very good at staying on the stairs when not in my arms. We had another bad swim lesson day, by the way.

I really got to play with all the kids including the big girls. That was really fun. It also helped that Mom showed up. Having the third adult to take potty trips, deliver goggles, etc. made all the difference.

Then we had the big adventure of taking baths and showers at mom's house, snack, and oh my goodness, we didn't get home until 5:30, dinner time.

We have at least two more friends coming next week.