"Thlide!" Leah lisps finally, pointing to one of the many slides at the pool. Uncle Tom looks at the slide and frowns.
"That one is a bit too big for you, even if I'm with you," he says. "But all the others are fine, as long as you sit on my lap!"
Leah will take that.
Leah and Uncle Tom go for one of the slides. Uncle Tom helps her get up the steps, then at the top, sits down and pulls Leah onto his lap. He pushes off. They go rushing down the slide. Uncle Tom chuckles. His enjoyment is contagious. Leah finds herself giggling as they splash into the water.
"Again, again!" she squeals happily once they get back on dry land. Uncle Tom smiles at her.
"What about a different slide?" he asks. Leah nods eagerly. "Come on, little Hailey, let's go!"
They go down every single slide except for the one Uncle Tom won't allow. Then they go down the slides again. And again. Leah can't believe how much fun she's having under the circumstances. Eventually, however, Uncle Tom calls it quits. He looks down at Leah.
"All right, I think it's time for a little break from the slides," he says. Leah pouts and crosses her arms.
"Why?" she demands.
Uncle Tom chuckles.