First Swim Lesson

We could not have been more excited about starting swim lessons.  In fact, M&M were so excited they took to asking me everyday, sometimes several times a day, "Can we go to swim lessons today?".  So we made a calendar and counted down the days.  The calendar worked out well considering there were so many things in the months of June and July that they were looking forward to; the free movies at the Beacon, swim lessons and our trip to Dee's house in Florida.  We signed them up for lessons at Shaw AFB.  I was considering the YMCA also but was so thrilled when I saw how the lessons were organized on base.  Michael and Mary Ellen and one of their MOPS friends Joshua, were the only ones in the "group".  Joshua is two, so on the days he pooped out early they essentially had one-on-one lessons!

Miss Heather, who was home for the summer from Clemson, was so patient and kind to my timid swimmer Mary Ellen.  She had to really encourage her to try to do those things that frightened her.  And if she wouldn't jump off the side she just helped her and they went on.  I think this really helped keep her enthusiasm high for going back every day.

Miss Brittney helped Michael and Joshua and it was no time, literally the first lesson, when Michael was ready to be on his own (with waist floaties and kick-board of course).  Michael was fearless to try each new thing and LOVED being in the water.  In fact the only issue I had to deal with was him crying each day when the lesson was over.  He never wanted to leave!

Learning to jump off the side into the water.  Miss Brittney used the noodle as a line in the water and Michael would jump over it.  Mary Ellen still needed hands to jump off.  But either way, they both had a ball and were excited for the next lesson.

As a treat for a good first lesson, blowing the whistle.  They also got to slide down the big tube slide that they were both excited about.  Afterward however, they both realized that it was a bit scary and could wait until they were bigger!