One last poolside story: Avery and I were lounging around one day when a bird swooped down on the concrete and started walking towards us. “No cup!” Avery scolded the bird, referencing a plastic cup that had just fallen to the ground. She then came over to where I was lying, cupped my toes with her little hands and told the bird, “No toe! No toe!” (She went on to repeat this until the bird was out of sight.) I’m not sure where she got the idea that the bird might attack my feet, but I was touched – and amused – by her concern.

-M

Avery hasn’t had tons of experience in water, but she showed no fear during our trip. She spent much of her time walking back and forth through the shallow end of the pool, splashing around in her tube all alone (“no touch, Mama”), and even jumping – with little hesitation – into the water. (Videos are below.) At one point Q and I looked at each other and said, “We’ve got to get her in swim class.”

And speaking of swimming, Zoe was also quite the little fish. She’s not floating on her own just yet, but she was constantly under the water and had no problem going down slides and getting herself out of the deep water. It suddenly felt like all those Saturdays at the JCC pool paid off!

-M