Making A Splash

Each summer our ward rents out a local pool for an evening.

My kids love it because I actually take them swimming.

I love it because it's free, and I don't have to worry about sunscreen because it's dark.

This year we arrived late to the party and had just begun swimming when the power went out. Pool management kicked us all out of the pool until the problem could be fixed. We all stood around the pool for 15 minutes freezing. Tyson said,

"This is the worst swimming day of my life!"

Before long, the power was back on and we were allowed back into the water. Dan and Preston stayed in the shallow end while Tyson and I headed for deeper water (4 1/2 feet).

Tyson practiced his swimming technique while drowning me in the process. After a few minutes of this the belly flop/cannonball competition began on the diving boards. Tyson loved watching his friends' dads make fools of themselves.

It was great entertainment.

Thoroughly impressed,Tyson wanted to learn how to belly flop. I explained that you simply jump into the water and land smack on your belly. He quickly climbed out of the pool the jumped spread eagle into the water.

It was a perfect 10.

He continued to belly flop over and over again until the pool closed and we were asked to exit the water.

Just as we were getting out I saw my friend

(who happens to be head judge of the contest).

"Hey Jana, Do you have time for one more belly flop?"

Tyson eagerly climbed out the pool, and demonstrated his new found skill.

Laughing, Jana congratulated Tyson on his good work.

Five minutes later winners of the competition were announced over the PA system.

"Third Place in the belly flop competition goes to Tyson!"

He was stunned.

"I've never won a competition before, Mom!"

Later he informed me that this was the best swimming day of his life.