Summer = Swimming

This summer, one of our family goals was to have the girls learn to swim. Last year we were too busy traveling to take any classes and the year before Sarah and Natalie basically just had that class where the kids get used to the water. I've felt like we were a little behind and this summer we are catching up. We've been at a local pool almost every day for the past two weeks. It has made a huge difference! Sarah and Natalie have taken turns doing private lessons with a friend of mine at her apartment complex. It has been fabulous because while one is having lessons, the rest of us swim in the other side of the pool. And many of thier lessons have been sandwiched between other friends' lessons. It's been a pool party every morning! We've started going more as a family too and the last six weeks of the summer, Sarah and Natalie have private lessons (just the two of them) at the Rec Center. Hopefully, we will have some good water skills by the time school starts!

Natalie has been more resistant to trying new things, but as she's watched Sarah try new things every day - and have fun doing it - she has been inspired to do new things too.

Sarah has really taken off. Once she got over the hesitancy of putting her face in the water - just a few days ago - she has learned quickly. She is learning the front crawl and just started learning the side breathing method. I am excited to see the girls getting more confident, having fun and most of all, learning skills that will help keep them safe. Angela, in the mean time, is revved up and ready to go - she will do awesome when she takes swimming lessons next year. (If I can get her potty trained by then!)

One funny side note ... Sarah found something that helped her feel more brave. It wasn't goggles, but a swim cap of all things! She loves not having her hair in her face and thinks it makes her float better! She even wanted to wear her new cap at home today - what a nut! She was being pretty silly this afternoon pulling it down over her face. (o: