Finer Things Friday: Poolside with the Kids

We're watching a friend's house this week, taking care of their animals while they're gone, and it just so happens they have a gorgeous pool that they said we can use. So that's what we've been doing this week — I've been sitting by the pool in the shade watching my kiddos having fun.

All three kids started swimming lessons last week. Jaden and Jerah already know how to swim, but Joely still can't swim without her floaties. But since Jaden and Jerah — having completed one solitary swimming lesson — are now "experts" in all-things-aquatic, they took on the challenge of teaching Joely how to swim yesterday.

So Joely took off her floaties and Jaden and Jerah started helping her swim across the pool on her own…

…and how to float.

The best thing about the afternoon at the pool was watching my children get along. There wasn't arguing or fighting — just the pleasant sound of Jaden and Jerah helping Joely learn to swim. They were so gentle and patient and kind…and it made me wonder why that gentleness and patience and kindness only shows up at the pool.

But that's neither here nor there. It really was a Finer Thing to have been able to observe my children helping each other and enjoying it at the same time. I look forward to many other days like that this summer.