In spite of their denials, the boys got ready for swim lessons, got in the car, and entered the YMCA without undue hassle. We trekked into the women's dressing room and helped the kidlets put on their water shoes which then had to taken off when they got to the pool because water shoes are not an asset when trying to kick your feet and swim. Duh! To get to the pool we had to walk through the shower area where there were several, fat, naked ladies. Kara told me she noticed that Jake gawked a little, but he made no embarrassing comments. After the kids took a quick shower we headed out to the pool.
Showering and then waiting before getting in the pool is not a good way to stay warm, so we had to wrap the kidlets up in their towels. (None of the other preschoolers took showers.) Fortunately it was only a short wait before the swim teachers showed up. At this point we learned that the YMCA had added a second class of preschool swim and the twins were in one class and Bentley was in a different class. That didn't seem like a good thing at first, but it ended up being a great thing.
Because...Bentley's class only had four students in it and the other three had some water experience already, so the instructor had the children in the pool kicking and jumping and floating from the very start of the class. Bentley has had very little pool time, but he did great. He was a little hesitant at first and shivering quite a bit from the cool pool water, but he warmed up and did everything he was asked to. I was very impressed. I had not thought he would be so willing. Great job B!
Viva and Jake were not so intrepid. (Of course they are seventeen months younger than Bentley!) Viva got right in the pool, but then decided she didn't much like being in deep water. She was okay sitting on the edge of the pool, but she did not like going out into the pool with the teacher. Jake refused to get near the pool for the first five to ten minutes, but eventually he was coaxed to the edge of the pool and even into the pool a couple of times. After his first venture into the pool when the teacher returned him to the side of the pool he climbed out and made a mad dash for the locker room. Despite this poor beginning, he went into the water again a little later.
The twins were not alone in their reluctance. The entire class of six preschoolers were not happy to be in swim lessons. The teacher said it's the most difficult class she's had in her ten years of teaching. She invited all the moms to join her in the pool next week. What else could she do when she had a class filled with waterphobes?! I'm sure the twins will do better next week.
Bentley and Jake far exceeded my expectations for a first swim lesson. Bentley participated! Jake didn't cling to his mother or grandmother the entire lesson! Viva, on the other hand, didn't do nearly as well as I expected her to. I thought she'd enjoy swim lessons. Maybe the group mentality sucked her in? I think she'll loosen up. She was the one this summer who loved playing in the small wading pool.
Bentley never smiled, but he seemed to enjoy himself.
Jake being persuaded by his mother that pool time is fun time.
Viva was mellow as long as she wasn't actually in the pool.
Jake in the pool!
Bentley (far left) with his class and instructor (two kids clinging to each arm)
Viva and Jake watching the instructor do her thing. Too bad they wouldn't do their thing.
The photos are awful. I'd delete them, but they are all we have. The kids were wearing goggles. I had a view of their backs more often than not. The light was poor and I was trying to keep the camera away from any potential water spray so I stayed a ways back. Next week since we will be in the pool with the twins, we won't be taking any photos, which given this week's gems is a blessing for all of us.
1 comment:
I'm glad for the photos--and the narrative. next week will do wonders with you in the pool.
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