The Horse Trough

Every summer, since Rhian was very small, I have purchased several hard plastic or blow-up swimming pools. And every year, something--some animal--destroys them. Goats, horses, cows, dogs, and racoons all seem to find a blow-up swimming pool irresistable. So this summer, after our dog Sam shredded my second purchase of the season, David decided that enough was enough.

And so, he brought home a very, very large horse/cattle watering tank to serve as the girls' swimming pool for the summer. (Great idea--only that it weighs a ton, and is impossible to clean--but that's not his problem, right?) Not that we are not redneck enough, but now we have a horse trough taking up half of our brand new patio, directly in front of the house...

But the girls have had a fantastic time in it, and it is dog-proof. So really, I should not complain. The girls have played "Ring Around the Rosie" until I was sure that poor Jacklyn's arms would be pulled off--or until one of them drowned. (Yes, mom, I was always, always, within arms reach anytime they were in or near the pool! They would not have drowned, that was an exaggeration...I was a lifeguard, remember?)

And note the following pictures. This is my Elizabeth. This is my "Liz." And this is typical Liz. Full-out, non-stop energy, with the capacity to wear anyone out...even a steel swimming pool...

Rhian adores the younger girls and is a great help to me. However, tickles her sisters way too much. Not a day goes by that she does not hear me say, "That's quite enough, Rhian. Not everyone enjoys being tickled that much." And Elizabeth--well, let's just say that she does not tickle Liz much anymore...so she just picks on Jacklyn instead.

Jacklyn loves water. Anytime the words "pool" or "bathtub" are mentioned, you had better be serious. And, you had better let her play until she is done...or else...
But you know, I complain about my kids way too much. I absolutely adore them. Who could not adore girls this cute? I may be biased, but I am pretty sure I have some of the most beautiful girls on earth.

And every once in a great while, when they are all getting along, and having a great time, I remember why I had kids. They have to be the greatest blessing God can give.

(Note: Know that I know that the girls' swimsuits are about two sizes too small, but their properly sized swimsuits were still in a pile on the washroom floor from the day before. So I apologize for any improperly covered body parts. But hey--they are little girls--they run around underwear most of the time! So at least they have swimsuits on!)