I’m a blogger. A blogger who accepts product reviews. Hence, products appear on my doorstep every day. Often, my boys are mildly curious – between the pots of eyeshadow, scores of cereal and tubes of toothpaste… sometimes, a really cool toy appears.
And sometimes – a product so synonymous with outdoor fun, sun and family – lands squarely into Ryder’s hands.
Such was the case this morning; Ryder discovered a tube of Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 in our front hall. Before I knew what was happening, he had raced up the stairs with the lotion in hand. Huh.
Well, since I’m not one to leave a young child unattended, I followed him upstairs and quietly observed.
First, he stripped down to his undies, and then made a beeline for his dresser. There, he tossed around until he found his swim shorts, which he pulled on quickly, with determination. Finally, he ran to my bedroom (which overlooks our backyard), and after climbing on the couch, threw open the shutters!
“POOL TIME!” he announced with glee.
Sadly, there was no pool. And it certainly wasn’t “pool time”: he was confronted with a gloomy, chilly spring day. The faint drizzle mocked his dreams of fun in the sun; the draft from the cool window against his bare chest made him shiver ever so slightly. Even more crushing: I couldn’t resist the moment and insisted that he pose for a quick picture. Yes, I am a cruel mom. I like to caption the picture: “No pool for you.”
Seriously, though – how could I resist? (I may have strategically placed the product while he sank into despair.) He was so gung-ho on having an epic summer experience during this spring from hell – you can’t fault his innocence. Then and there I promised him that on the very first warm day, pool party! (Which will be SOON, I hope!) And then I ordered him to put some clothes on. …