hahahaha reading your story has brought a smile to my face and brings back memories of when my son was off school. We had a few staycations - the days out to the seaside always ended in tears (mostly mine). I remember when Grandad bought a rubber dinghy, we all went down to the coast - it started off well, Grandad and 7 yrd old Son in boat, me holding rope attached to boat, Mr. Towie had gone to fetch tea, cakes and ice cream from the kiosk.
I got distracted, let go of the rope, the boat drifted out despite Grandad rowing like mad. There were shouts of 'abandon ship' and my Son dived over the side, leaving Grandad. I swam out and managed to retrive the rope. I said to Grandad, why didn't you dive over the side and let it go - he said 'are you insane, this cost me £14.99 and the oars were extra'.
We had an above ground swimming pool erected in our garden, the kids loved it, yes I only have one Son, but all the neighbours loved it aswell.
It was money well spent.....