Unfortunately there aren't too many outdoor pools in Alaska. The ground heaves and permafrost layer make inground pool construction a risky business and few people attempt it. Alaskans have to settle for a lake or an indoor pool. Neither option is as fantastic as an outdoor pool (in my opinion).
Although we can't take the kids to a full-size outdoor pool, we can set up a kiddy pool and they have a grand time using it. That's what we did two Saturdays past while mommy, daddy and Lincoln were still at the hospital.
Our pool isn't large, but it still empties the hot water tank. The trio had a great time floating in it, splashing in it, and shrieking in it. I did wonder if I should try to quiet them down because the house next door is an assisted living facility and some of the residents had their windows open. I'm sure they could hear the children loud and clear. Did they enjoy hearing them? Did it bring back happy memories of their youth? Or did it give them a headache?
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Yesterday we grabbed another opportunity for fun in the pool. It was a scorcher of a day--by Alaskan standards--and so I set the pool up in the afternoon for the boys to play in. Viva was up the hill at the other grandparents' home.
The boys had a wonderful time splashing and attempting to float on their kick boards (the water wasn't deep enough). They asked me to set up their sprinkler toy. It's made from thick plastic and has holes that water shoots from in a circle. If you step on the right place the water shoots higher. The boys jumped on this spot until a seam popped. No more sprinkler. The boys howled and cried and demanded that I fix it. I couldn't.
No more fun for anyone. Bentley's teeth were chattering by then-- Alaskan sprinklers are COLD--and we decide it was time to dry off and go inside. Will the boys remember the fun or the drama more?
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