Thirteen.

We used the pool for the first time this week. The kids have been waiting for months to be able to jump in. When the sun was finally hot enough this week, we allowed them to take a dip! The water was so cold, but they didn’t care. They joyfully jumped in and out and squealed with pure excitement. Watching them enjoy the pool was another reminder that this is the childhood I always wanted them to have.

Jumping in a pool on a hot day is such a simple thing, but it’s such a powerful memory maker, too! I have so many fond memories of summertimes spent in a neighbor's pool. We’d swim for hours and hours, never getting tired of the refreshing water. Here I am, years later, watching my little ones starting to form those same memories. It takes me right back to my childhood summer days. I get to feel the anticipation in their voices as they ask if they can go swimming. I get to experience the excitement as they rush to get their bathing suits on. I get to feel the carefreeness as they cannonball into the water. I get to experience the contentment of having nothing else to do but float. It’s an absolutely surreal experience to be the mama to these kids. While I am working hard to be the best memory maker I can for them, I am constantly amazed at how they are doing the same for me. These days I get to spend with them are forming some of my most precious, fulfilling memories.