In case you haven’t noticed, it’s summer around here. We’ve been pretty busy soaking up the sun! So far, my favorite part of the summer has been the new swimming pool at Hoyt Park, Hoyt Park Pool . It’s so absolutely mind-blowing fantastic that I’ve not figured out how to take pictures of it, since every time we are there we are having so much darn fun. This is true even if my husband is with us, which is usually not the case.
From nine to eleven every weekday morning (Parent Tot hours), it’s basically a water park, minus all those darn big-kids and unruly teens. Plus, there is a lot for little ones to do—zero-depth entry to a little kids play set in the water, and a sandbox area with lots of fun water and sand toys nearby.
Having a six-month-old and two and a half year-old, things are a bit busy when we’re at the pool. I’m usually the mom with the infant strapped to my chest in the Baby Bjorn carrier, waddling around in the shallow section trying to stay within three paces of Carson so I can pull him back up on his feet should he forget that he can stand up to breathe. I’ve also mastered a few tricks to make the whole event much easier with two kids. I consider these just a few of my favorite lessons when taking myself to the insane asylum…er… taking the kids to the pool by myself.
1) Put the bigger kid in his swimsuit and swim diaper BEFORE getting him in the car seat (but not if you know of an impending poop, in that case, hold off).
2) Get one of those tables with an umbrella—it’s infinitely helpful in the diaper-changing department. You won’t have time to lounge in one of the Adirondack chairs anyway. Critical if you have two kids in diapers.
3) Always bring a snack and drink for the kids and you. No matter if you’re hungry or not. A snack nearly always gets my two-year old to sit still long enough for me to gather everything up before we leave.
4) Apply sunscreen before getting to the pool.
5) Bug spray, not a bad idea but not critical either
6) Stroller for the little ones—critical, for both sun shade and for the spontaneous nap (for the kids not you)
7) Sun hats for everyone, and sunglasses for whomever will wear them
8) A tiny bit of cash for the occasional ice-cream bribe
9) A wet/dry clothes bag
10) A swimsuit cover-up for you, since changing out of your suit is gonna be nearly impossible.
Hopefully that will help you find some tiny bit of sanity at the pool. One caveat—if you are doing the parent thing solo at the pool, smash any expectations you had about relaxing while there. This is survival, with a very tiny silver lining: you can find some relief in knowing this will wear their little butts out. When they get home, they will sleep like the dead, and then you can relax. So go have some fun at the pool!
If anyone has more suggestions to help ease the trip--by all means, post here!
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