Swimming in the Rain

Ever have one of those afternoons that just leaves an impression? Like it literally JUST leaves an impression. You can’t get over how much it really does just take a second to realize how much it means to you. Swimming in the Rain is one of those things. I experienced that this weekend and it was amazing! Have you ever been swimming in the rain? It’s something that I’ve loved to do!

Swimming in the Rain

 

 

 

 

 

Swimming in the Rain

Many grandparents I know, including me, scan weekend newspaper guides for local children’s activities. Many of us plan vacation trips around the desires and needs of our grandchildren. And most of us love to entertain our grandchildren at our homes, or at the homes of our children and grandchildren.

It’s just what grandparents do.

But every once-in-awhile, something so fun and beyond expected happens spontaneously, and these times are often the super-memory makers.

One such memory-maker happened to my grandchildren and me last evening.

It was a hot afternoon. Hot, as in hot. Audrey and I were working at her home while her four boys played, slept, watched television, snacked, and played some more. Indoor fans were whirring in each room. Windows were wide open, inviting even the slightest breeze. But all that poured in was the sun. The heat. The heaviness of the humidity.

By late afternoon, the oldest of the boys, William, was begging for us to take him and his brothers to their pool club. It was one of those days for Audrey and me… “We just have a couple more things to do. Then we’ll go to the pool.” But the couple more things turned into a couple more hours.

How did we end up Swimming in the Rain

Finally, at 5:00 pm, we packed the pool gear, tossed together some sandwiches and fruit and drinks for dinner, gathered the kids, and began the twenty minute highway drive to the pool club. Within five minutes into the drive, Audrey and I simultaneously took note of the dark, ominous clouds gathering in the direction of the club. We debated whether to continue, but four of the eight little ears in the back seat overheard our conversation. “Don’t turn around,” they begged. “Please!”

So on we drove, watching the clouds get darker and darker, lower and lower, more billowy and threatening with each mile.

Audrey and I decided that perhaps the air-conditioned ride was good relief from the heat anyway. That the kids needed a nice, calm rest. And maybe we could talk them into a little “car picnic” when we finally had to break the news that it was going to be pouring when we arrived at the pool.

But then the clouds parted. The sun was there, right where it had been hiding all along. William and Alexander began to cheer. “See, Mommy! See, Grandma!” they practically sang. Soon we were at the club, in our bathing suits… and as Audrey and three of the boys were splashing and kicking and laughing and feeling as cool as cucumbers in the pool, I happened to feel a cool breeze whip across my face as I held Henry in the picnic area.

And within seconds, it began to pour. Cats and dogs kind of pouring. Everyone who was in the pool was out of the pool, into the changing areas… and gone. All but Audrey, William, Alexander and Benjamin. They were laughing and splashing and laughing some more. The lifeguards jumped in and began to play. It was like the rain had come just for them. Just for the entertainment of the mommy, the boys and the three lifeguards.

Memories of Swimming in the Rain

Swimming in the Rain

I huddled the baby to me (under a canopy, I will add), and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much.

Soon, the sun peeked again through the rain clouds. The rain diminished from pounding drums to intermittent droplets.

We ate. The sun seemed to tire in the hot summer sky. We gathered up the gear, the leftovers, the kids. There was not one complaint as we left the pool and headed home.

We left with a memory. A super-memory of the unexpected joy of swimming in the rain. The kind of memory that probably won’t be found in the newspaper or at a travel agency.

But a memory that just happens. I think they are the best kind.

That’s right – Swimming in the Rain was the coolest and the bestest thing ever for these little guys!

Swimming in the Rain

Cross-posted at Type-A Mom

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

Sign Up To The Ultimate Style Newsletter for Moms

Categories

ShopStyle “List” Of all Things I Like and Blog About

Pinterest

8 Comments

  1. 7.22.08

    I loved swimming in the rain as a child.

    It always seemed silly to me that people who were previously submersing their entire bodies in water get out of the pool and run for cover when it starts to rain. As long as there are no booms or flashes in sight there’s no need to run for cover.

  2. 7.22.08

    It really was so much fun watching them enjoy themselves in the rain!

  3. 7.23.08

    Awww… I’m so glad you all got to have so much fun. My girls love playing in the rain too.

    I’m like you, I look in our newspapers each week to see what the girls and I can do to get out of the house a bit.

  4. 7.23.08

    how fun, makes me wish for rain! What a great story/great day!

  5. 7.23.08
    Kristin said:

    What a great story and memory. And if I might add you told it well.

  6. 7.24.08
    Erin said:

    What a great memory! Definitely one of those rare moments. I love swimming in the rain, but it seems like so often, rain is accompanied by lightning, so it’s definitely a rare occasion to be able to do so.

  7. 7.24.08
    Lisa said:

    Swimming (or playing) in the rain is the best! I love how you and your family are purposeful in making great memories with each other. Can you give lessons on how to do this?

  8. 7.24.08
    Karen said:

Comments are closed.