Happy Fifth Birthday Girls

 So for some mommy reason, I've been telling them they have to be five before going off the diving board.

Dutifully, I spent the day with them last Thursday, and we headed for the pool.

Alida is not one to hesitate.

 Elaine had to consider a little while.

 So Alida lapped her.

 And Elaine considered.

 And Alida added a little bounce.

 And Elaine asked a few questions, such as,

"What if I sink?"

 And Alida did a belly flop.

 And Elaine was even exasperated at her own self.

 And Alida, undeterred by the pain of the belly flop, just started flinging herself into the pool.

And Elaine finally summoned her courage and went.

And there we were for two hours, off the board, to the side of the pool, off the board, and on and on.