We are now 5/8 of the way through swimming lessons. I’m counting down the minutes until they’re done at 11:55am on Thursday.

The hours spent by the pool (not in the pool or near the pool, mind you, unless you want to get yelled at by the eagle-eyed lady that keeps non-lesson-goers far, far away) make me cranky, yes. It’s boring for more than half of time, since less than half of the time is actually spent with one of my kids in a lesson. And it’s hot.

Some of the fun things the kids have done to entertain themselves: ballroom dancing, LeapPad games, snapping the straps of their shoes together to make a necklace, making forts with the towel, eating Cheetos, eating snack mix, eating fruit gummies.

BUT. The kids (when they’re actually allowed in the pool to swim) have a ball. There has only been one tiny episode in the big pool when my biggest boy got scared.

First up every morning is Henry. I love to watch him, because he’s like a little rubber band ball, bouncing up and down, going under the water and flying back up. Over and over again. He did get scared in the deep part, but he has gotten so much more comfortable in the water. Before this summer, he didn’t even like to go under water.

After a break, it’s Essie’s turn. She is also a joy to watch, literally. She does just what her teacher tells her to do, no hesitation, with a perma-grin plastered on her little face. Sometimes, she floats around like a little water bug, making a big circle and then coming back to the other Aquatots. She has so much fun in the water, and just like Henry, before this summer, she wasn’t comfortable going under.

see the little water bug, on the right? That's EB.

After ANOTHER 30 minute break, it’s finally Ivy’s turn. She’s my little fish this year, and even though she has to wait two hours while she watches everyone else swimming, she has had so much fun. Just like in school, she’s shy with her swim-mates, and doesn’t speak up much, but she does what she’s asked (even sitting next to the boy that gets reprimanded All. Lesson. Long.). She’s a rule-follower, and she’s quiet, but she’s taking it all in and learning.

Next year, I’m planning the schedule better.

This was the only time they stood by the pool. Because they were asked to get back.

I’m also linking up with Galit and Alison for Memories Captured this month.

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