We were all so excited to start this session of swim lessons… well, at least Jackson and Lacey were – Rachelle could have passed on the whole experience. But I’m happy to say that she can turn around and grab the wall if she falls in and can monkey walk like a pro! I love to see their progress in swim lessons even when they scream through almost every minute of it.

Rachelle has been hard but awesome to watch. She’s in a class with mostly 2  yr olds, so their ability to move their bodies and even just their ability to understand what the teacher is saying, is way above hers. I noticed though that it didn’t take her more than a day or two to fully understand what her teachers expected and what she needed to do to get things right. She floats on her back with a little assistance, but I think the most valuable things we’re taking from these lessons are blowing bubbles when she’s under water, when she falls or is dropped in she turns and grabs the wall, and really, I’m amazed at her new-found monkey walking skills. I think those things alone were well worth the money and tears.

Lacey has also learned a lot, but decided the last couple days to start acting scared. I’m not sure what happened that scared her, but she was nervous to dive/jump into the water. She’s always been really good at floating on her back and now she’s able to stick her head up and catch a quick breath while swimming. She’s been working hard and her freestyle is becoming more long arms rather than doggy paddle.

A few days ago, Jennifer, one of the teachers, asked me if Jackson was doing swim team this summer – She said he’s a good little swimmer. I think he’s ready and would LOVE it (what sport/competition doesn’t he love?), but I thought we’d wait another year. Don’t tell him – he wouldn’t be happy with me.  🙂 He easily makes it across the pool with a pretty good freestyle. He’s learning the other strokes and  loves going every day!

Geri and Jennifer are the best! Really – We’ve been a few other places for swim lessons, and they really do the best job for all ages. They are awesome at drown proofing for pre-swimmers, excellent with beginning swimmers, and fabulous teaching the strokes for more advanced swimmers. Their energy is amazing and they always tell the kids what a great job after every turn- the kids feel so proud when they get out of the pool. Even Rachelle – she has grown up so much and I can tell when she comes out she is proud of her hard work!

We are going to love swimming this summer!