It's amazing how difficult it is to manage kids under the age of 5 when in a kid unfriendly environment. The degree of difficulty actually increases exponentially (i.e. 2 children are 4 times more difficult to manage than 1 child). Last night I volunteered to bring the kids to swimming lessons/free-swim by myself. I had exactly 20 minutes before leaving the house to feed the kids, pack the bags, dress the kids and get everything in the car. Just packing the bags is a nightmare (swimsuits, towels, brushes, Shampoo, goggles, after-swim snacks, change of clothes for the 2 year old in case he pees in his pants, membership card). Then I need to look for free parking (required 2 laps around the block). Carry/lead/motivate the kids 100+ meters to the pool. Change myself and the kids at light speed. Deliver Juliette to her swimming classes (late as usual). Bring the Nicholas to go pee (if he hasn't peed in his pants already). Then play with both kids in the baby pool for half an hour for free swim (make sure Nicholas stays in the shallow end so he doesn't drown while entertaining Juliette and any other kid in the pool). Then move the kids (against their will) to the family change room (with one shower). Wash both kids (while daddy is still cold and wet). Dry, dress and feed one child at a time (elapsed time approx 45 minutes, usually done while cold and wet). Take a shower (short and very hot). Dress the kids for outside (and myself). Carry/lead/motivate the tired kids back into the car and back home.
Honestly it's fun just being with them and you get used to it but it still requires a lot of effort.
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