surrounded by mermaids

We had a big family gathering at the lake today with Ju-Ju and Steve, Gigi, Larissa, Laine, Emily, Jeff, Grandma, GrandBob, Gran, Pop, and Great-Granny (David's Granny). In between thunderstorms we had some great swim time. At one point, Allison and I were in the lake policing five swimming and jumping children! Dennis was swimming alongside lots of girls, Laine and Emily as well as Laura and Mary Beth from next door. They were all jumping and doing tricks and laughing and swimming together, and Dennis perfected his 'jumping on the noodle' technique. He leaped off the dock and landed right on the noodle several times, and he was so proud of himself! He is really getting to be quite the little swimmer. I love swim days, too, because he naps long and well and sleeps great all night.

I was surprised that he talked to us all the way home tonight, thinking he'd be too sleepy, but instead he kept up a stream of interesting chatter. "Can you see any stars, Mommy, because it's so dark outside?" and "where's the moon?" and "is the library closed now?" and "I sure would like a waffle at Waffle House". He didn't give us a moment's trouble about going to bed, though, even knowing we'd accidentally left Froggy at the lake. He slept with Back-Up Froggy and asked if Froggy would be sad and lonely. We assured him that Froggy would have a good time sleeping with Ju-Ju and Steve.