This summer my children have really developed a love for the swimming pool. . .  naturally this is the summer I decide to not purchase a season pass. (the past few years I have purchased a family pass)

this was one remedy to "fix" the issue of 'I don't want to play in the sprinkler' . . .

I would load up a bag of goodies and pool toys and sunscreens and goggles and sunglasses and towels and floaties and take all the children to the pool. Invariably, one of the three would always end up in tears on a chair begging (screaming at times) to go home. It was comical, I would have a silent bet in my head as to who would be the first to scream at me to leave. Who doesn't like to swim? (that would be my kids)

This year I made the grand decision to not drive myself batty trying to convince my children they love to swim and I did not purchase a pass for the pool. This year my children love to swim and beg to go almost e v e r y . s i  ng l e . d a y. I can't win!

Luckily there happens to be a splash park (quite) literally in my back yard. Every year up to this summer my kids have been hit or miss in their 'liking' the splash park. One day one of the three would love playing there and the other two would be crying to return home. This year I didn't even bother to walk up the hill to take the children because frankly I didn't want to deal with the drama.

However, they kept begging since I wouldn't take them swimming everyday (no pool pass = very expensive day trips). I hiked up the hill with towels in hand expecting to return back down the hill in no less than 15 minutes.

To my delight and surprise . . . they all loved it  . . . and we have been spending a good amount of time up on the hill at the splash park . . . and best of all . . . it's free!

Happiness all around!