The secret is...visit the pool!

For everyone out there who experiences real changes in season, excuse my Southern California comments for a moment. I love that smooth transition from summer to fall, from fall to winter, from winter to spring and spring to summer. I know that it is not a dramatic change. We certainly don't see spring flowers ascend from a snow covered ground, but there is so much to appreciate during each special time of year. After a rainy week, I am so happy to see the sunshine! Don't get me wrong, I have loved my cuddle time on the couch with my books. But I need the sun.

Today Malachi and I decided to get out of the apartment and visit the pool. After watching the new Twilight movie last week, I was reminded of how closely my skin resembles a vampire's. I am in serious need of some vitaminD! Luckily we had the entire pool area to ourselves! My protective mommy instincts against the undisciplined children of America were laid to rest after seeing the empty space. My protective instincts were able to focus on my adventurous son. Malachi is fearless! He loves the water and explored the steps in the shallow end. As I sat with him, I felt so much joy in the littlest details of our visit. I love that I can see amber highlights in Malachi's hair that curls ever-so adorably when wet. I love the way sunscreen smells. I love feeling warm in the sunshine. I love the way big beach towels wrap around you and are so much more superior in color and size than your average bath towel. It was a welcomed sense of relief and happiness.

After some time, we headed back to our apartment where I was reminded of one of my favorite things: the feeling you get when you peel off your wet bathing suit and put on dry clothes. It is like you emerged from your summer chlorine bath and are ready to relax. Your skin feels a little dry but oddly fresh. You are almost always a little tired from your pool time activities and are ready for a nap. Although Malachi can't verbalized this feeling, I know he felt it too. A fresh diaper and onesie did the trick. He laid down for a nap.