Yesterday we ventured to Seven Peaks for the first time this year. (For those of you outside Utah, Seven Peaks is a big waterpark that we have season passes to. Amie is the one who got us started going a couple of years ago.) It promises to be more fun this year than last since now Eva is old enough to wear sunscreen and doesn't have to be kept in the shade the whole time. When we first got in the lazy river, she seemed a little unsure about the whole experience, but soon decided that it was pretty enjoyable. We also made forays into the baby pool and the wave pool. In addition, Lucas is now tall enough to navigate the lazy river on his own, so I don't have to have him clinging on to my arm the whole time anymore! Sadly, little Bella was decidedly unhappy and Jessie ended up calling Timm to come and pick them up early. (I'm hoping it was just that she got some sunscreen in her eye and not an indication of her feelings toward Seven Peaks in general.)
The only negative thing about the experience was the glimpse I caught of myself in the reflection of a window. Even though I'm pretty sure I look exactly the same as I did last year, the view of myself in a bathing suit was even more horrifying than I remembered. I guess it's that strange phenomenon of my not realizing just how scary I look, even though I think I have a grasp on it. Oh well. I vowed to myself when Max was born that I wouldn't deprive my children of fun experiences, swimming in particular, because of my dissatisfaction with my body. Granted, at the time, I had no idea how much that dissatisfaction would grow (in direct proportion to my body) over time! Anyway, I made it through the first visit, and I think it was a success. I'm actually looking forward to our many trips there this summer now that circumstances have improved!
9 comments:
I hear you on the glimpse in the window. Last year I saw a lady (not cute and quite large) wearing my same shorts! AHHHHHHH! I bought the biggest size! (Yes that means we are the same!) I had to hold back tears! Dang it! I am glad that I finally decided to stop making my kids suffer because I won't wear a swimsuit. I also look forward to the fun times this summer!
Kudos to you on taking them to Seven Peaks. My mom always thought she looked horrible in a suit, so she would not go in public in one. She would however lay on our back porch and bake in the sun to get a tan (go firgure). The sad thing was that she was thin, and had a totally wacked idea about weight and body image, one that I share to some degree. I have made the same committment as you have, that I won't deprive Evie just because I hate to be in a suit, and I have promised myself that I won't pass this relationship with food and body image onto my daughter either.
I think you are great!
Tasha
how fun i love water parks...last time I was in 7 peaks we were buying property...glad to hear it is a fun water park. i agree with you, as painful as it seems not to be fit--at the moment....i agree it is important to have fun with them and not be the one sitting in the sideline.
I admire you for "taking the plunge" for your kids, and am actually glad that Amie badgered us into getting Seven Peaks passes or I would have never been brave enough to humiliate myself publicly in a swimming-type setting. I try not to look down at my lumpy white legs or to look in any mirrors, and I feel sorry for you and Amie that you have to look at me, but other than that I'm grateful that we go (can't believe I said that), and so glad we have something fun like this for the kids to do. I want to be a fun mom.
You guys have all convinced me not to hold back swimming from Mya because of my own body images, and I really appreciate it! I am jealous of the whole 7-Peaks outings that are to ensue this summer and I hope Bella starts to like them more so Jessie can enjoy herself.
I hate wearing swimming suits, but your right-- it isn't fair that your kids have to suffer.
It is amazing how fun waterparks can be. I had no idea. We just did a waterpark here and Lulu loved it. She also loved the lazy river.
Your kids are so lucky you got season passes. What a fun way to spend a hot day.
WE'll have to give it another try soon for Bella's sake! I think no matter what you look like, there are always comparisons. Someone will always be thinner, tanner, or mroe fit than me no matter what I look like, so I try to be okay with myself without making unneccessary comparisons. (Easier said than done...) And your kids are better for your selflessness! (In all aspects, not just donning a bathing suit.)
I think we all struggle with this. I have to admit I have serious negative feelings toward women with "perfect bodies" these days. I am so happy to be pregnant so I can let go of that feeling and stop holding in my stomach but can't wait until we get past this current "is she pregnant or just chubby?" stage. I feel your pain and I miss Seven Peaks! I love that place!
don't you mean amie badgered you into going!
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