This last week Branson and Harry were able to go to their very first swim lesson at Payson Pool. Branson received a few private lessons when he was 4 and we were attending the singles ward – but it had been awhile for him so he was pretty nervous at first. When I first told Branson I had signed him up for lessons a few months ago – he bawled and bawled and was really upset at me. But we’ve been working with him and getting him more familiar with water this summer. So by the time swimming lessons finally came around Branson was REALLY EXCITED – as was Harry and both couldn’t WAIT to be able to spend more time at the Payson Pool. đ
However, even though Branson was really excited about taking lessons at Payson Pool he was also REALLY hesitant about getting in the water. They started him out in the deep part and it really freaked him out. He ended up sitting on the side of the pool for about 20 of his 30 minute lesson. Finally his teacher allowed him to enter the water in the “shallow” part and then work his way to the deep part (the deep part was still shallow enough the kids can touch). Whew! Now Brans is a pro and will just jump in the deeper part at the start of each lesson.
Harry on the other hand had NO problem with the water and loved getting in it from the start.
Branson on the first day sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else
This little guy would just sit quietly by me and watch all the action. He also liked to get up close to the water and stick his little toes in. When he gets bored I just pull out our Sunday quiet book and that keeps him entertained until its time to leave.
Harry’s class and teacher
One thing that Harry DOESN’T like though is getting his ears, face, or head in the water. Adam said he was the exact same way when he was a kid. Luckily Harry gets a little better each lesson- but as you can see in the picture below it definitely still freaks him out a bit.
Adam was able to join us for one of the lessons and loved watching how the boys were progressing
Its sure been fun for the kids and I love that they are finally getting more comfortable in the water. I haven’t taken them to many water places this summer because of my fear of one of them drowning or getting lost (its too hard to keep track of three little boys at once). So the only time we go is when Adam can come with us. Hopefully by next summer we will all feel a little better about playing in water.