Preschool Swim Lessons

I was talking with someone the other day, that said that their vacations didn't become fun until their kids learned to swim. I had a brief encounter with swim lessons as a child, and didn't learn to really swim until I was eight ... after that walking to the neighborhood pool was the best way to spend a summer day.

I'd like to make sure that my boys know how to swim. I'm not expecting either of them to be Michael Phelps when they grow-up ... but swimming and water safety walk hand in hand.

On Sunday we took the boys to their first swim lesson at a local club. Xander went to lessons for six months, which I stopped in December -- new job, new schedule, and while the lesson was only eight miles away on the map ... there was a lot of traffic to get there. The shallow end of the pool was also 3 feet, and Xander gained a healthy, but problematic fear of what he called dark water (water that comes in over his head ... or pretty close).

The current club is much closer, and has swim lessons on Sunday, which is awesome! It also has a 2 and a half foot wading pool for swim lessons. It was so fun to see Xander wade into the pool with trepidation, then realize that the water isn't deep ... huge relief in his eyes and a big smile.

Caleb has been asking to go to swim lessons since Xander started ... but my rule is that he had to be potty trained. He was definitely nervous, but being very brave. It took about five minutes, the Thomas water toys didn't hurt either, until he was at home in the pool.

Both boys can't wait to go back to swimming. Xander asked if he could go everyday.

We're taking them to visit my Aunt and Uncle near a lake in Cheboygan, Mich. this summer. They probably won't be swimming by then ... but it will be more fun for them having taken swim lessons.