I have often joked that our house is like a playground for boys.  Three built in playmates, Nerf guns, Hot Wheels, lightsabers, video games, anything a boy would need or want.

Same goes for vacation time.  Need a playmate?  Just stop by, we have three to choose from.  Such was the case last night, our three boys were the only ones in the hotel pool, wrestling, playing catch, having a good time.

Sure enough, out the pool entrance, I could see a boy arriving with his family to the hotel.  The boy looked into the pool and you could see the excitement in his eyes.  Playmates.  Three of them.

Well, about five minutes later, the kid arrived at the pool and jumped in.  Inexplicably, two of my boys, in short order decided to head back to the hotel room.  Whatever the reason, tired of swimming, antisocial, sick of their brothers, whatever, that left only my middle son Sam and the visiting child in the pool.

Motioning Sam to the edge of the pool, I suggested that he ask if the other kid wanted to play catch.  Of course, the visiting child readily accepted the offer and they had a great time.  Another half hour of pool time and a new friend.  Certainly qualifies as a good day.

We have all been there.  The new kid.  Not knowing anyone.  Just needing an invitation or a friendly gesture to help fit in.  I was so proud of my Sam.  He had helped bridge the gap and make someone feel welcome.  Social win.

Sam and his new friend.  Two heads happily bobbing in the water.

Soon it was time for dinner and I told Sam it was time to exit the pool.  Getting ready to leave and not seeing any other parents around, I figured I would check to see if it was okay to leave the other kid alone in the pool.

I asked him, “Are you staying at the hotel for more than one night?”

Much to my surprise, Sam’s new friend responded, “No, I’m not staying here.  My parents own the hotel.”

Well our new little friend, in that case, I would say that you are safe swimming to your heart’s content.