To the pool

Got a call from sister to babysit so she can go to the doctor. I can take them swimming (so she can do errands too in peace). Pick up kids. Nephew doesn't want to put on his shoes. Niece is wearing pants and tell her to put on shorts. Ok, we will stay in the aprtment and not go swimming, if they don't want to cooperate. He puts his shoes on and she puts on shorts.

Next complaint, my car is hot and they refuse to touch the door handles. My lord, I never seen children so scared of things. What do you think adults do w/out crying and whining. Yes the seat belts are hot and put them on carefully. Nephew is convinced adults feel less than kids.

Ok, drive down the road and nephew wants to go to the pool we drive by. That is not my apartment pool (my pool is free). Nephew thought we were going to amusement park pools w/waterslides. No, we go to my apartment pool. Get to my apartment and I have to finish hanging up the laundry and they put their swimsuits on. Off we go making the kids carry something. Auntie's hands are full w/towels, bag, umbrella, and waterjug so any toys kids don't carry get left behind.

Walk to the pool and settle down. Set the umbrella in a hole in the wood deck near the pool. Perfect. Niece hestitates getting in and nephew follows me right into the cool water. Not too cold today. Niece wants to see my tricks. I make her let go of the edge and away from the steps before I do. Otherwise she would never let go and shiver in fear the whole time. Take pictures for sister and husband to see. A group of kids come in w/life jackets. I tell nephew he can swim in the deep end when he puts on a life jacket. Inner tube is not good enough. One kids wants to join our beach ball catch, and then another, then another, and another. Kid and nephew start tossing the ball too hard and too far making me or the other chase it. That's enough for me and put the ball away. Nephew needs to learn to play nicely. Kid wants to play with our kickboard and noodle. I know the trauma of taking a toy away from any child so we will not start. Kid wants to know why, kid wants to play with it? I say, Cause it's ours. Then kid's moter hollers over to leave our things alone.

Niece starts to get pink so I decide to go inside. It has been over an hour. Leaving the gate, I can't see the steps from all the things I'm holding and go kerplunk.I prove to nephew that adults do get hurt. Why just don't cry, whine, and pout about it. Hobble back causing my niece to call me old from my hobbling. I'm not old, I'm in pain. Get a snack in the apartment and kids take a shower. None for me cause I need a band aid and ice. Shower later when better healed. Enjoy features and a TV show before sister picks up the kids. Show off new furniture. Then off they go. Ah, peace.