One weekend last summer we were preparing for a day trip to a lake.

The picnic was packed and the car was loaded. Kevin and the kids were excited and ready to go.

Everyone was ready except me.

I just had to throw on my swimsuit quick. I didn’t think much of it. It was my first time putting it on in a year.

As I pulled it on tears welled in my eyes. I hate swimsuits.

I dried my tears and emerged from our room smiling and ready for a fun day at the lake.

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An hour later we arrived at our destination and went to the restroom.

My daughter was frustrated and fidgety.

I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “This swimsuit doesn’t feel good!!” She growled and continued tugging and pulling at every inch of it in discomfort.

I began to revisit my own frustration from earlier and said, “Girl swimsuits are stupid, aren’t they?”

She looked at me shocked and said, “Mommy, that is a bad word.”

“I know it’s a bad word sweetie, but it is the only word I can think of to explain swimsuits. They never fit right and make us feel uncomfortable. I think we should get to wear shorts like boys and be comfortable.”

As my daughter agreed with me, the woman in the next stall exclaimed, “Mmmhmmm!”

We all laughed together.

I decided when we left the lake we would find a solution to this problem.

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After scouring the internet I found some acceptable suits and now we both get to wear shorts in the pool and feel happy.

Although I am cheap in most areas, I enjoy spending money on things that enhance an experience.

My daughter deserves to jump freely into the water just like her brother. She should not have to worry about her swimsuit.

So as we begin another summer of daily swimming, I am thankful we solved this problem last year and all 4 of us get to jump in the water in our shorts.

Money well spent!

-Brittany