When Monday swung around we decided we needed a break and discussed heading over the mountain into Jackson for some swimming at the rec center, but last time we went little J got very cold (he was only a couple of months old at the time) so for Memorial day we decided instead to go to Downata Hotsprings, by Downey.
It was great. The weather was in the 60s but that doesn't really matter when there are hundreds of thousands of gallons of steamy hot water ranging from 90 to 100 degrees. The pool was hot and relaxing, the water slides fun, and the spray park just perfect for 3 year old L, and 9 month old J.
After a bit of discussion I even got L to run down the Dragon Slide (water slide) behind me. He wore his life jacket and did great though he said it was "scary". Mom loved the slides and screamed the whole way down the "black hole" slide.
The pool was very relaxing, somehow watching the kids while soaking in hot water still relieves stress and I left with all of the kinks in my muscles worked out. Little J fell asleep at about 4 p.m. after soaking and playing for about 3 hours. So I sat in the water with him and he slept soundly for an hour or so.
L borrowed a little raft from one of the other swimming families and had a blast kicking around in it, so much that when they left I had to buy him a little float tube, even though he had a life jacket on and was swimming around the pool pretty well. He took swim lessons a while back, but is now a little afraid of water. We will have to put him in swim lessons again.
Also thought to reflect on my two little boys a little bit here.
I was watching L play outside the other day. He does well by himself but so loves to play with other children. I was feeling a little sad for him as he was playing by himself, riding his tricycle around the basketball court, swinging and sliding on his swing-set, and adventuring in the yard. I couldn't but help feel a great swell of love for him. He has been such a joy, so full of life, and energy.
He is such a hoot to do things with, he loves to help Daddy work, and fix things. He always grabs the tools to work on my cars and other projects. We are starting on his hotrod (mini 32 Ford roadster powered by a power scooter axle) this week and he is very excited. I am also excited to take him fishing, camping and hiking more this summer.
I remember the day he was born, purple with the umbilical cord twice around his neck. The worry I felt at that moment, and the great feeling of peace I later felt that all would be well as I retreated and counseled with the Lord in prayer, pleading for the well being of my newborn son, and all has turned out well.
Little J is such a content little boy. He is adventurous and happy. He lives to smile and laugh, and loves to be tickled. He grabs your hands and places them on his ticklish spots. He plays hide and seek with Daddy, and laughs and laughs every time he finds Daddy. His smile is infectious with three little teeth poking out on the bottom (and soon one to poke through on the top).
He has been such a sweet little boy. He seems very musical and beats out rhythms and sings in his own little way. He now crawls and pulls himself up on everything and is trying to walk as soon as possible. He is just a happy baby.
I am truly blessed with my two little ones, and they bring me such joy. Every day is a new adventure and a blessing.
