A Learning Experience For FOUR of Us

Last week the boys attended our gym's Swimming Boot Camp.  It was held five straight mornings, and they were the only children in their cluster.  During the week the boys worked with three different instructors and became familiar with many different swimming aspects.  They also practiced listening to their teachers, waiting patiently for their turns, and following directions.

 

Life Vest Time

All three were all smiles until...

they found out that they would be on their own!

Actually (and surprisingly) Aidan didn't mind his first experience. 

Way to go Aidan!!!

The boys demonstrated three distinct styles while attempting to learn how to float...

On day four of our lessons the deck supervisor came up to me and said "It's a consensus.  We've decided that these are the cutest kids we have ever worked with!" To be honest, I was a bit surprised to receive a compliment during their swimming lessons, since I had to calm down and redirect the kiddos a few times (each day!).  The deck supervisor continued, though, and made me rethink 3 year olds.  She said that my boys are so excitable, happy, willing to try anything and everything, and are having a blast.  She continued by talking about how rare that is to see in her profession and how fun my boys are.  Obviously this was a very nice thing to hear, but it kind-of made me feel guilty since I wasn't overly pleased with their behavior during the lessons.  As it turned out, what I wanted (which was for my boys to sit, be quiet, and listen) is NOT what the pool staff considers to be ideal student behavior.   Rather, they would prefer to work with happy and excitable children who are eager to learn, which is what I have (without intervention :-)).  Who knew?!? 

Bonus product endorsement for those with little ones...

For the boys' birthday, the H family gave each his very own beach towel. I thought the personalization is what made these Pottery Barn towels unique and awesome, but in reality, the size is what I love most about them. They are miniaturized, just like my little people. No more tripping (and tripping and tripping) on the way to the locker room!  Simple, yet so genius! 

So Swimming Boot Camp was quite the learning experience for all of us.  It gave my Liam, Aidan & Connor more opportunities to try new things in the water, including not having to be held while wearing a life vest.  And it taught me to ease up a bit and let my happy, excitable, fun three year olds be just that.  Definitely a great learning week for us all!!!