Like Jaws, but cuter

We have been having such a blast taking Theo to the public pool this summer.  Our park district has an amazing set up that really takes into consideration families with young kids that don't want to worry about the potential for drowning, which we appreciate.  Their Big Pool starts out at zero depth, with a special area that has water fountain squirter thingies.  As you can imagine this is THE spot for social toddlers to mingle.  They talk about the latest swim diapers, what color sand pail is In right now, and how many heart attacks they've caused the parental units by falling on grated concrete.  Good times.  It's great though because the water comes up to their cankles, and mom and dad can sit in the water with a watchful eye while soaking up some sun.  Win-win I say.

But with this zero depth comes an ideal location for teenagers and adults alike to sunbathe while not dying of heat stroke.  They lay partially in the water and flip on schedule every half hour without a care in the world.  Right next to the toddlers.

For the past month or two Theo has been obsessed with saying "tickle tickle tickle" to his own feet, which has then passed on to others members of the family.  It's beyond hilarious and he pretty much has the tickle gesture down as well, even though the majority of the time he just scratches you 'gently' whilst saying it.  He gets this huge grin on his face and he's so proud of himself.  He has clearly picked up on what we've been doing to him since he was a wee babe.  It's awesome.

So, the other day while the family was at the pool Theo became fixated on the sunbather's feet and would hone in on them.  He'd Frankenstein step his way over with his arms outstretched chanting 'tickle tickle tickle' and leaning down to complete the deed.  Bryan and I intercepted him at least twenty times.  At first it was funny and precious, but then it got exhausting.  All while the sunbathers remained blissfully unaware.

So this is a Public Service Announcement to members of our park district: the huge and heart-breakingly adorable toddler lurching towards your feet?  Pay no attention.  It's still safe to go into the water.

Comments

[cjh]

That is awesome. I would let him tickle. And we have a little preschool friend who does the same thing but pretty much on any body part he has access to.

[Lisa G.]

Aw, that's cute. Hahaha.

[Swistle]

HA HA HA. I would be super-tempted to let him do it. I greatly dislike non-kids in the kids area, even if it is not exactly taped off with "KIDS ONLY" signs.

[Jen]

omg that's adorable.

[Kate]

How adorable. I can just picture him lurching his way up to the sunbathers and it makes me smile.

[Kelsey]

Funniest summer story I've read to date - can't wait to meet that tickler one of these days (years?). :-)

[Joy Covell]

Jeesh, he could not possibly be any cuter. can't take it!

[Melissa]

How funny and cute! That does sound exhausting for you though. I might let it go until you see that people are actually getting annoyed. They are after all in the kiddie area. The should expect kids.

[Beyond Alice]

That is so adorably cute! :)