A Trip to the Pool: Part 1: preparations

The ladies and I decide a trip to the pool was in order. By "ladies", I mean that Emmy TELLS me we are going to the pool. The usual excuses slip my mind! It's closed. Boys only today. It's broken! Not one of them pops in my head. As I stand there with my mouth open, she runs off to get her suit. I sigh... Since I didn't have an argument why we shouldn't fast enough, I guess we're going. I roll my eyes as I search for the beach bag. Any mom of toddlers knows that preparing for a trip to the pool takes a heck of a lot longer than the actual trip itself.

First, once they realize we're headed to the pool, the screaming and running excited laps around the house must happen. They almost forget why they're so excited. Then, the dancing in place while I try to put their swimsuits and sunscreen on them. (Oh my, the dancing!) Emmy always busts out quit a little jig. It's amazing I can get the suit on her at all. Brin very carefully tries to put the suit on herself and usually ends up with her bikini bottoms on her head, and a very proud smile on her face.

Sunscreen application is a whole different process all together. After the wiggling, the yelling, the scolding, I manage to slather them up. They look like I've partially covered them with vanilla frosting. I finally decide as long as they don't end up looking like a lobster at the end of the day, I'm still in the running for Mother-Of-The-Year.

Wait, I just realized I have to get myself ready. Oy! Gotta dig out a swimsuit that appropriately covers the right amount of skin, but still wanting to be the "cool" mommy. I make sure all the ties are securely fastened. I can see it now. My mind drifts off... I'm imagining that I'm holding Brinley and she pulls the halter tie at the exact same time I bend over to grab Emmy. Thus leaving, as Emmy would say, my "boo-boos" on full display. Suddenly, back to reality. No, no, no, that double knot won't be enough, better triple knot it.

Then packing the bag-o-gear. Oh my. With all sippy cups, snacks, clothes, hats, diapers, toys, extra sunscreen, I barely have room for the towels. It takes 10 minutes just to load all the crap and kids in the car. Of course, Emmy is telling me all about the pool, asking if we're going to the pool, and pondering out loud which toys she will play with at the pool. The. Entire. Way. She says the words "pool" and "mommy" at least 1000 times. I pray that Taylor Swift will come on the radio and she'll sing instead of talk for 3 minutes.

We're here. Finally. Forty-five minutes after we decided to come. We walk onto the pool deck and it begins. Check back later for "The Competition...."