tears for fears

Today was the annual "family day" at Scott's work. It's quite a large affair held at a local community center with both indoor and outdoor activities. In addition to the many sponsor and vendor booths, there were inflatables, farm animals to feed, access to the indoor water park and pool, plus lots of other things for adults, like a Euchre tournament, volleyball, billiards and bingo.

We started the morning with Morgan near the bounce houses. Despite her recent happiness on Aunt Becky's trampoline, she declined to ever set foot inside one. Instead she thought the slide looked like fun. So together Morgan and I waited, and when it was our turn to climb up, she panicked. I ignored her, picked her up and hauled her up the incline. Down we went.
 















And it wasn't so bad. So she made a couple more attempts with Daddy and actually enjoyed the ride.

Andrew also had a chance in the spotlight - we entered him in the baby crawl contest.

Thinking Andrew might be a shoe-in to win, we were excited. And then it became all too overwhelming. Frozen by the shouting parents, unable to locate his own, Andrew started crying big alligator tears. He came in last place, and never even crossed the finish line.

Comforted by Daddy

Refueling after such a tough race

Why not make it three for three? While Andrew napped in the stroller, we took our chances and headed over to the pool. He slept. Morgan wept. But we forged ahead anyways. Given this opportunity for free access to the water park and pool, we wanted to see if we could help Morgan overcome her fear of water.

The playscape in the water park was set in only 6 inches of water. But the splashing, dumping water and loud noises sent Morgan into hysterics. She wouldn't even set her feet on the ground. So instead, we sat on the edge of the big community pool away from the activity where we coaxed her feet into the water. Just before leaving, I was able to walk around the pool with her in my arms. Through tears, she also walked back to Scott in water up to her waist. Baby steps.

Despite the fear, I think we all had an enjoyable morning. No regrets. But instead a chance to experience new opportunities.