This in-between-houses phase isn’t so bad afterall.
We are crashing for a couple weeks with Grams in Palm Desert. It’s sort of like an extended vacation. Of course, Grams is so happy to be temporary roomates and witness all of your constant enthusiasm and energy. You’re getting some of that energy out in the pool every day, 4-6 hours to be exact. You’ve got that sensitive Mottola skin, so while you tan really well (pigment courtesy of Mom), your skin gets really dry. There have been a few big scream sessions when Mom puts the wrong lotion on you at night. Yikes.
All that time in the water is paying off in swimming confidence. We started you in a lifejacket the first few days but have left them behind as you’ve progressed. You can swim with head above water in a doggy paddle about 1/3 the length of the pool. That’s great and mostly checks off “survival swimming.” You’ve tested out goggles but are still unwilling to put your head underwater to swim. That will be your next breakthrough. In contrast, Eliza has a goggle mask and spends most of her time swimming underwater. That mental limitation doesn’t bother you as you’re happy enough paddling around with a big cheesy grin that everyone can see.
I bet you’re enjoying some new strength when you swim. You’re still a really tall and strong kid for your age. We met a couple kids at Joshua Tree Visitor’s Center who were exactly the same age as you and Eliza. The boy was a little older but you had him by at least 4 inches in height. Not just visibly growing, you’ve had a vocabulary explosion of multisyllabic words. You’ll say “Here’s the situation” to introduce a topic. You describe animals at the zoo as “incredible.” You’re pretty incredible, too, kid.
We still have half a week here in the desert and we’ll survive by some combination of suntan lotion, popsicles, naps and palomas (for Mom and Dad). This is the good life.
Love,
Dad