Flashback Friday: First & Second Time at the Pool
Brina a little unsure about this whole “pool” idea
Today’s flashback Friday goes back about 10 years when the girls first were introduced to a pool. The first trip to the pool with the Greenville Mother’s of Multiples Club family party. We didn’t even have swimming suits for them yet so we took them in onesies and swimmer diapers. They were not to thrilled about the pool the first time around. Both were a little surprised and not overly excited about it. You would never know that now though!
The second time we went to a pool was about a week later with our friend Mike and Ashley. We had gotten the girls swimsuits in the meantime and they did a little better the second time around. Still not thrilled about it, but they tolerated it better.
Brina was a little surprised by the pool water.
Brina slowly getting used to the water on her feet while sitting in Daddy’s lap.
Brina standing up in the pool, still not sure about this whole pool thing.
Brina thinking about sitting down, but still disturbed by the pool.
Brina was very curious by all the other kids swimming around her. Why do they look like they are having so much fun!?
Karlie’s first dip into the pool. She was not happy!
Karlie’s thinking that maybe this isn’t too bad. Daddy seems to think it’s okay…
Jake sprinkled a little water over her head. She wasn’t entirely sure if she liked that.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s lap talking with another twin. He wanted to know why she didn’t like playing in the pool, ha!
Karlie getting used to the water and she sits there for a minute.
Karlie looking at Mommy for help and confirmation that this pool thing was okay.
Karlie – “Can someone turn off the bright light overhead!” She was not a fan of the bright sunny day and if she was directly in the sun would just close her eyes and whimper. Poor baby girl.
Survived their first “pool swim” or should we say little dip! They were much more content to be back in the bassinet together.
Swimming at the pool was EXHAUSTING! They were out for a nap within a few minutes of drying off and getting into the bassinet. (Brina and Karlie)
Brina and Karlie got their cool new swimming suits and ready to go again. They think it’s funny now as they are at home sitting in the chair together….
Brina with Aunt Ashley at the pool. She is still not convinced that this is a good idea!
Mommy taking Brina and Karlie out into the pool. They were very intent on watching the pool water, like its going to get them or something.
Mommy with Karlie and Brina. They tolerated the pool better this time around with only a few tears. Thankfully it was a small quiet pool.
Brina all snuggled up in her dry towel. She is now ready for her nap.
Look at those pruney little tootsie toes! So cute!
Karlie is getting sleepy. Swimming is hard work Dad!
Tips on Flying with Kids
AirTran inflight picture taken earlier this year! I have the opportunity to travel with our girls over Spring Break. Thankfully they are wonderful in the car and LOVE to fly in the airplane. A couple months ago we told the girls that we would be visiting family over Spring Break and they have been looking forward to this week every since that day. After we first told them about our little trip almost every day they would ask me how many days until Spring. It wasn’t until a couple weeks later that I realized that they thought that as soon as Spring arrived they would get a break (aka “Spring Break”) and we could go on our road / flying trip. I had to explain to them that their School Spring Break did not always start on the first day of Spring. They have been counting down the days and have been encouraging me to pack our suitcases. Last week we were coming home from Church and Karlie told me to drive faster, when I asked why she said “we need to get home so we can start packing for our trip.” Even though we were not leaving for several days I let the girls get started. I had them find their travel backpacks and to start laying out a few items that they want to pack in their backpacks. After only a few minutes they had a whole pile of items and they felt better about getting started.
Traveling with kids can be a wonderful and fun adventure. Adding special activities while traveling can make the trip even more exciting and memorable for the kids. When the kids are happy it makes the whole trip go more smoothly. Here are a few items we have used on our trips with the kids:
- Special Backpack – whenever we travel, fly or spend the night somewhere the girls pack their travel backpack full of goodies just for them. They have had the same backpacks for the last 3 to 4 years. It has been a great investment and each girl is thrilled to pack items they enjoy in their own backpack. Plus they proudly carry their treasures through the airport themselves.
- Books – our girls love books so they pick out a couple small books to take in their backpacks. We read the books as we are waiting to board the plane, quietly on the plane or whenever we have some downtime.
- Educational Items – in the backpack we pack a pencil and crayons along with a small notebook, coloring book, and workbooks for them to do on the trip. They enjoy doing “school” work for fun and it makes me feel good about them practicing their writing, numbers or other practical skills.
- Snacks – before a big trip we will take the kids to the grocery store and have them pick out one special treat to take with them as a snack on the plane. For this trip Brina picked out Blueberry Muffins and Karlie picked out 100 Calorie Snack Cookies, makes me laugh and proud to see what they chose this time around!
- Creative Games – on the trip we come up with games to play with the girls
- What shapes / animals / objects do you see in the clouds?
- Name everything you see that is ___________ (red, a circle, silly, etc…)
- Find every word that contains a ____________ in it (a letter or set of letters like any word that contains a “b” in it or “th”)
- Count the number of steps it takes to get to the _______________? (to the terminal, bathroom, seat, baggage claim, etc…)
- What is your favorite __________? (memory, food, color, place to visit, etc…..)
- Card Games – “Go Fish”, “Old Maid”, “Uno”, and more!
- Surprise Gifts – inside the girls backpacks we wrap small gifts for them to open up at random times throughout the trip. Most of the time they are so involved and excited about the adventure that they don’t even open the gifts or only get to 1 or 2. Although, they are quick to remind us once we have arrived at our destination and have fun opening them while we are visiting or vacationing.
- Postcards – are fairly inexpensive souvenirs and the girls enjoy picking out and receiving postcards. They will put them in their special drawer and keep it for many months. They will pull them out and go through them to remember the special trips together.
- Mind Your Manners – discuss appropriate manners, rules and guidelines for traveling (especially in a busy airport). This is important to do at the beginning of the trip. You can even make a game out of it.
- Bright Matching Outfits – dress the kids in bright matching outfits so it is easy to see them in the airport. Even if they are right next to you they are easier to see.
- Gum – when the plane is ascending or descending it is smart to have your kids chew on some gum to help relieve any of the pressure especially if they have a cold or stuffy nose. If you have an infant it would be a good time to give them their pacifier. For a toddler a lollipop or a crunchy snack works well.
- Rest – Allow the kids to sleep on the plane if they want to rest. The girls have taken several naps on airplanes. It gives them an extra boost of energy and helps them relax. One time all three of us took a snooze on the flight, we were exhausted!
Keeping the kids entertained is a great way to make the trip enjoyable. For the parents I have a few more ideas of what to do during the flight to help it go by quickly and smoothly. The girls are excited, however, we are traveling after a full day of school and we’ll us arriving at our destination the early part of the next day. I am looking forward to creating more positive traveling moments with the girls and praying that the trip is smooth for everyone driving, flying, and traveling with us. Do you have any tips for flying with kids?
