After some hesitation, I relented and agreed to take the kids to one of the local swimming pools today.
Emmett and Ava had a great time splashing in the really, really cold water and sitting on the deck munching snacks. Turns out the rest of our neighborhood was there, too, so our kids got to see all their friends (as did Leah and I).
But the best part was when we were packing up to leave. I took Emmett and was carrying him on my arm as we walked through the men’s locker room. I gave him a little squeeze, kissed his cheek, and said, “I love you, buddy.” Emmett looked straight forward and replied, “Love you.” Well, maybe not replied. Maybe just imitated. Maybe. But today, I’ll take “replied.”