Swimming Lessons

Every summer at this time my boys take swimming lessons at a local pool. They love it, they look forward to it every year, and I think it's great, so I pay for it. I wait until this time of year because it's actually hot out, and all of the other summer rec. sports and things are finished. It kind of signals the coming of the end...

For a few years I had to chase Grace around and it was exhausting. There is a playground there, which helps. It is usually super hot out. This year I can finally sit with a book and drink my coffee while I wait for the boys. Grace can run around and visit with people and kids or play at the playground. I like to watch the boys and see how they're doing, especially at the end when they have free time. They love to go off the diving board. This year Garrett actually does flips! Drew always shouts, "Cannon ball!" and does a perfect cannon ball with a big splash.

Today I was reading my book in the van and listening to music and watching Grace. She found someone with a dog, and she was attached. I could hear her little voice chattering, but I couldn't hear what she was saying. I smiled at her cute little shorts, Dora shirt, and stick legs as she played with the dog and talked to the lady who owned it. She has such grown up gestures. At one point she came over to the van.

"Mom, can I change my name to P.J.?" she asked.

I am used to this. She changes her name a lot.

"How about we make it your nickname?"

"No, I want it to be my real name!"

"But we have to keep Grace," I said. "Grace is a beautiful name."

She walked away. After a while I got out and joined her and introduced myself. The lady's granddaughter came over, and she introduced Grace as P.J. I had to tell her that her name is not really P.J.

When she meets new people, I never know what name she will tell them is hers. She likes to reinvent herself, I guess.

A few more days left of lessons, and then what? We will have to start thinking about school shopping, and I will have to start thinking about returning to work. There is a part of me that is looking forward to it. The other part is pure dread. What are the kids going to be like this year? Will I have to work with seventh and eighth graders? Will my co-workers finally drive me over the edge?

Stay tuned to find out.