The LONG Weekend

***I have no idea why I didn't post this when I wrote it, but at least proves I haven't been quite as delinquent in my blogging reponsibilities as it may have seemed. Of course, if you believe that, I have a bridge or two that just might be for sale. 8^) Thanks for skicking around.***

It's been a weekend of relaxation and rest mostly. Of course, during the Summer, our weeks and weekends just kind of blur into each other. With Will being off work, it is REALLY easy to forget what day it is entirely. The 6:00am Water Polo practices have helped keep us on track for the most part, but we still stray from the path now and then.



Since we live in the VERY fire prone area of Southern California, no fireworks are legal here. No...not even the "safe and sane" variety. We can't even do sparklers along side our pool for God's sake. The kids had to be satisfied with a dip in the pool and a few Snap Dragons (the things you throw on the ground and they pop) to celebrate the 4th of July. I know; WooHoo!!!



Fortunately, we had no commitments for the past few days, so we figured we would spend them in the pool. Oops! No such luck. Our pool system decided that this would be the opportune weekend to take a crap on us. There was no chlorine. It needed salt. After the salt was added, it needed conditioner. Then, just to add some excitement to the weekend, the clear coating on the slide started to chip off. This requires no less that sanding the surface of the slide down to bare concrete, doing an acid wash on the newly sanded surface, possibly painting it, and then finally sealing it with a two step epoxy product. Let's just say that this news did not make Will's weekend.



Fortunately, for the kids and I, the chemical situation in the pool was resolved nicely today. We had a great day of swimming and playing Uno Splash in the pool as we tried to beat the triple digit heat. Unfortunately for Will, he had to spend the day sanding the slide. He did take a couple nice dips in the water, but the sanding job pretty much sucked. He is off to some far off town tomorrow to purchase the amazing new coating for our slide that should last from 5 to 7 years (a far cry from the 2 years that the original coating lasted). I only hope it lives up to its' claims.



On a brighter note, Gracie is becoming a swimmer. She has spent most of her outings in the pool shivering or clinging to any bigger body that was willing to cart her around. All of a sudden, today, she decided that she could swim. Keep in mind that we have her in a heads up vest any time she is in the backyard. She has spent more than her fair share of time flailing and floating around on her back in the water, kind of like a turtle stuck on its' back on land. It was kind of funny and sad at the same time. After a little instruction by her brother Daniel, she was kicking and paddling her arms like a pro. I'm not sure what made that lesson click more than the 50 or so lessons that Will and I have given her, but I sure am grateful that it did. Pool time ought to be a whole lot more fun for all of us now.

PS The new coating worked great, and we were able to enjoy it to the fullest while my family was out visiting. Thanks, Will, for all your hard work!!