Happy Change-Up

Photos.

Kids in the pool

On Wednesday we drove to Tampa International to pick up Chris, Melissa and the three kids. They're in Florida until Sunday, staying just north of us at the Alden on the Gulf side of of the street.

Chris, Melissa and the kids

Their suite wasn't ready yet so we spent the afternoon together here at the pool. Melissa had told me that the kids wanted to snorkle so I found a mask and snorkle set for kids on amazon.com, and ordered three of them in different colors, for about $8.00 each. I felt a little doubtful, but Chris taught them to snorkel in about 10 minutes and they were soon happily exploring the pool. I hadn't realized that this would improve swimming skills, but Chris correctly figured that keeping one's head down is less tiring and the kids can swim farther without fatigue.

I made lunch in our condo and brought it down to the gazebo area. The food disappeared quickly and all were soon back in the pool. At the end of the afternoon, we packed up and spent the few hours before sunset with them at the Alden. Their suite has a direct view of the Gulf of Mexico, and while it could use a little updating, it's spacious and seems fine for the five of them.

Bob and I sat with Chris at the little outside bar and enjoyed a couple of drinks, while Melissa and the kids went swimming in the Gulf. After sunset, Bob and I came home to our pasta aglio et olio we bought at Mazzaro's on Tuesday. The little antipasto salad was a tasty accompaniment.