There are times when you just really enjoy the moment. This time it was prompted by a visit from our new friends Drew and Kim and their children Allie (who is in Irini's class) and Sean. The visit, as has become customary these days, included a short time in the apartment, followed by a run down the pool where, as one would, we promptly jumped in. After the original shock of what we consider cold water (the Scandinavians in the family would laugh at this, we realize) and the giggles that go with the high pitched yelping responses to said experience, we continued with the water-based experience in earnest.
This time Irini followed Sean around quite a bit and, being older, he was a good model for her to follow. A bit later TTmouz and Tía also arrived and joined in the fun too. (Thanks for the pictures, Tía!) Irini moved further and faster than she ever has and, within minutes, was able to swim the length of the pool. Only now she was using her hands as well! Laurence was delighted. Then, in an effort to impress even the most critical of critics, she began to show off her diving from the side (arms up straight, bend at the waist, bend knees, push off the side and smoothly enter the water to an impressive array of "aahhh" and "ohhh" from the family and friends). One thing led to another and, before we knew it Laurence was pushing Irini up out of the water and she, with a powerful push of her legs, would fly into the air, landing in the water. Then, a moment of silence as the brew of bubbles bubbled below and, suddenly, a happy smily face flying out of the water and into daddy's arms. Laughter. Giggles. Shouts to be seen. Repeat. Ahhs and ohhs.
Amalia, on the other hand, chose to do most of her activities on land. She loves getting herself wet but hasn't shown quite the initiative to jump off the side as Irini had by now. Amalia likes toys and games and, this time, the hoola hoop would do just fine. She played happily with it and swung it around to similar supportive cheers and statements from the adult crowd. On occasions she would venture into the kiddie pool to get herself wet (and cool) before getting out again and roaming around the pool area and beyond.
It was the kind of event that we didn't want to leave. The girls were both happy and daddy was so comfortable in the water so that when mommy said it was time for dinner, there was a sad look on his face. Amalia and Irini, however, were happy to follow Allie and Sean upstairs to share dinner. Great swim. Great dinner. Good friends. What else can we ask for?
This time Irini followed Sean around quite a bit and, being older, he was a good model for her to follow. A bit later TTmouz and Tía also arrived and joined in the fun too. (Thanks for the pictures, Tía!) Irini moved further and faster than she ever has and, within minutes, was able to swim the length of the pool. Only now she was using her hands as well! Laurence was delighted. Then, in an effort to impress even the most critical of critics, she began to show off her diving from the side (arms up straight, bend at the waist, bend knees, push off the side and smoothly enter the water to an impressive array of "aahhh" and "ohhh" from the family and friends). One thing led to another and, before we knew it Laurence was pushing Irini up out of the water and she, with a powerful push of her legs, would fly into the air, landing in the water. Then, a moment of silence as the brew of bubbles bubbled below and, suddenly, a happy smily face flying out of the water and into daddy's arms. Laughter. Giggles. Shouts to be seen. Repeat. Ahhs and ohhs.
Amalia, on the other hand, chose to do most of her activities on land. She loves getting herself wet but hasn't shown quite the initiative to jump off the side as Irini had by now. Amalia likes toys and games and, this time, the hoola hoop would do just fine. She played happily with it and swung it around to similar supportive cheers and statements from the adult crowd. On occasions she would venture into the kiddie pool to get herself wet (and cool) before getting out again and roaming around the pool area and beyond.
It was the kind of event that we didn't want to leave. The girls were both happy and daddy was so comfortable in the water so that when mommy said it was time for dinner, there was a sad look on his face. Amalia and Irini, however, were happy to follow Allie and Sean upstairs to share dinner. Great swim. Great dinner. Good friends. What else can we ask for?
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