What to do when it's 115*

We are having a great time in Phoenix despite the hot weather. Olivia and Sam are going to tennis lessons with their cousins, Kira and Maddie, in the mornings. The afternoon is spent swimming at the Village, while my parent's pool is being renovated. Below is Chloë, Maddie and Lauren. 

I am so glad Lauren took the swim lessons this Spring. Yesterday she spent the afternoon swimming in the shallow water with me. That was fine. But today I forgot my suit and all the kids were jumping in the deep end. On her own and fairly quickly Lauren jumped into the pool near Olivia. Then Olivia gave her a push up from the bottom of the pool and over to the side. I think this was helpful and comforting, but still It was a little scary for her. So she said she was done!  Lauren insisted I go with her to the shallow end to swim. Maddie and I incouraged her try again "on her own". Lauren agreed on her own she could do it and boy could she. The next 2 hours she and the other kids spent jumping off the side. 

These kids are so great. The reason why they spent so much time jumping into the pool was because they were having a Jumping Contest organized and judged by Kira and Olivia. The 2 girls treaded water while sitting on kick boards in the deep end. They would announce the type of jump the other kids were supposed to do, then they would give each kid a score. 

Towards the end of their game a little girl about Kira's age was lingering around. I asked Chloë to go see if the little girl wanted to play with them. Chloë didn't really want to ask the girl, but didn't say anything to me. Instead she jumped in the water, swam to Kira and Olivia and told them what I was thinking. So of course Kira and Olivia asked the girl if she wanted to play. She wanted the rules explained to her, which the girls did a great job of doing. Then the girl said, "not right now". When the cousins had one jump left in the contest they asked Sara if she want to play. She did!  After revealing the tallied score Olivia and Kira decided this jump was going to be worth 3 points. This meant Sara would have a chance to tie for first place. When the contest was over Sara tied for first place. 

I thought that was such a kind gesture for Olivia and Kira to make sure their new friend felt good about playing with them. We have such kind children. I love them all!