Swim Lessons 2019

A few years ago we did private swim lessons for the kids.  Last year we didn't, because Mia was a mess, was in and out of hospital and appointments, and couldn't get in the water to swim.  I thought we did in 2017 but I sure can't find record of it!  Perhaps we haven't done them since 2016!

At any rate, it was time again, to polish the kids' swimming skills.
We again went with private lessons and budgeted to pay for an hour of time.  However, split among 4 kids meant we had to get with it and get focused each day.  I watched the clock closely, had the next kid ready to go, and it worked out okay.  We did 20 min. each for the two big kids and 10 min. each for the younger two.  Next time we'll need to buy at least another half an hour to an hour.  We're thankful to Sarah for her diligence with the kids.  She made the most out of every second she had with each one.

Natalee improved her life saving skills.  She has always been water brave, and has had enough skill the last couple of years to swim and paddle around.  Our biggest fear with her is that she will paddle to a place she can't touch, and then lose stamina and try to stand up.  She panics and she goes into drown mode quickly.  Sarah worked with her on floating, and easy swims to get herself out if that happens.  She also worked on treading water.
(Natalee in 2016: http://jennbeeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/swimming-lessons-natalee.html)

Xavier grew a lot in ability this week.  I find he's still a little reserved in the water but he's getting braver.  He worked on glides, kicking, relaxing enough to float (poor kid is his mother's daughter), and a little bit on diving.  He always obeyed Sarah, but you could tell a couple of times that fear was fighting to take over.
(Xavier in 2016: http://jennbeeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/swimming-lessons-xavier.html)

The slide broke right before Xavier was supposed to get to go down it on his last day of lessons.  He was a good sport and did the diving board instead.

Ameliya certainly made the most of her 10 minutes.  I felt bad for her - while 10 minutes was about enough for Zayden, she could have gone the full 20-30 I think.  We usually put a puddle jumper on her in the water and what I quickly realized is that she's brave.  On day 1, Sarah worked with her on gliding.  She's not really afraid to put her face in the water.  Getting water in her ears is her biggest struggle but I couldn't get her to wear ear plugs (anyone have a link to great ones?).  I often still look at Mia as fragile and "little" and she proved this week that she is truly becoming a big girl.  We're so thankful she can enjoy the water this year.
(Mia in 2016: http://jennbeeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/swimming-lessons-ameliya.html)

Zayden took his 10 minutes willingly each day.  He sometimes got out of the water with dry hair but he did the 2 things I cared about most:  listened to his teacher and obeyed.  He worked on kicks, blowing bubbles, and getting acclimated to the water.  With his puddle jumper on he's a fish - without it's security he has a ways to go.
(Zayden in 2016: http://jennbeeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/and-little-brother.html)

wore those goggles on top of his head the entire lesson on day 3