Swimming lessons

I enrolled Asher in his first official swim lessons that didn't require me to be with him, and thanks to neighbors and friends, I was so grateful to have found the amazing teacher who has helped him grow and advance in his skills so quickly. These were not lessons about learning strokes or holding the breath and whatnot, this was more about knowing how to survive and to get to safety at the side. It's amazing what she was able to do with the five little people in Asher's class in the space of an hour.

There were definitely cries aplenty--especially from kids who looked to be about 2 years old, but Asher never really cried. Instead he did his best, grew in confidence, and often times would come up out of the water with a smile on his face. He's always liked the water.

Julia, on the other hand, sees a pool and starts to cry. Luckily I didn't put her in this year. She clings pretty tightly to me any time I do get her into the pool, but she at least settled in while at Asher's lessons and was okay to watch--especially since that meant she didn't have to get in.

Asher went from really no swimming knowledge to being able to backfloat and to jumping in off the side, turning, and making his way back to the side after six lessons. His teacher was fabulous! She was so kind, so patient, so organized and on top of things, and she was never ruffled even as she managed five kids in the pool and often the needs of her own four kids who were nearby the pool. Miss Emily is amazing and we will be back next summer. Asher loves to swim and keeps wanting to challenge himself, so I am hoping to get to a pool once or twice a week for the rest of the summer.

Hanging in the tube until he gets his next turn with the teacher.

Taking his turn with Miss Emily. I'm sure she is telling him to swim to the side when she lets go.

Enjoying an otter pop afterwards as a treat.