Last day swim class :(

A, certificate in hand

A and Christian

N and Cody

E and Heather

Locker room shot, Blow-pops for everyone

First, I must comment on the status of my broken washer. Today I managed to wash two loads of laundry-clothes smell and appear clean. I had to use my 'good towels' to soak up the water collecting in the tray under the washer, since all the beach towels have been getting used daily.

We started the day today with swim lessons. Last night, before bed, I mentioned to the kids that tomorrow was their last day of swimming and we had to say our goodbyes in the morning. This was especially aimed at A, with her existing teacher crush. So she starts to cry, lays on the floor and covers her eyes. I ask what's wrong and she says she is sad, she doesn't want to say goodbye to her teacher. I hug her, carry her to my bed and lay beside her as she continues crying " I don't want to be lost". I asked V, "What does she mean?" He says, "Perhaps she means she doesn't want to suffer a loss." This afternoon I was reading My Big Boy Potty. Yes, I know, I know, but it's the one we got when N was potty training. Somehow the book fell under and behind the bed. I knew I couldn't fit under the bed. I knew the only thing that goes under that bed and comes out alive is my Roomba. I didn't want A to crawl under there and possibly get stuck or hurt, so I say to A, "No, don't go under there, let's wait till nap is done, then Mommy will get the broom and get it out. I don't want you to go under there. There might be dust mites....or spiders." She starts crying again, her response disproportionate in relation to the loss of any book. So I ask the leading question..."What is making you so sad?" A says, "I want my 'favorite' book (this is the first time we read it), but I'm scared of spiders" I say, "What else is bothering you?" A says, "I don't want my teacher to go to school" Her teacher goes to college in NY (Pace University). So after class, and a very touching goodbye, unscathed and tantrumless, Blow-pops in hand, we headed out.

I decided we should make a "quick" stop by the Dollar Tree to pick up some of those water squirters that were such a hit with the kids the day before. I knew I had a little cash in my car, so I fished around and collected the $6.35 from my coin tray. After a little calculation, I realized I couldn't buy the 6 squirters I intended to (12 cents short because of tax)... So, I had to use my debit card instead. Well you know how that goes, I walked out with a receipt for $37.71 instead! If only I'd been able to come up with that extra 12 cents!

After lunch and then naps, we gathered our blankets and popcorn, called to order take-out pizza, and headed out for the family fun night at the sports park. We met our friend Stacey and her children. Then V met us after work. It started with live beach boys music (dancing for the kids), then children's games and a scavenger hunt, then a moonlit kids' movie (Surf's Up) and hot air balloons.