way to go kids!

It's been forever since I've blogged. I've been avoiding my computer like the plague this summer, probably the result of a need to just "take a break" from anything that feels like work (at least when I am able to). We've all had a great summer together, enjoying the rhythm of daily life, playing, swimming, and learning together.

During the last two weeks of July everyone had swimming lessons. We had beautiful weather, with only one lesson cancelled because of thunder. Our lessons were scheduled over noon, and so we often packed a lunch and stayed at the pool for the afternoon. It has been so cool to see them becoming more independent in the pool, playing together and on their own, respecting my limits about where they need to be, and usually being pretty cooperative about leaving the pool.

Swimming lessons were a huge success this year. L and M both passed their levels, and G passed two levels. Everyone mastered their bobs and learned how to swim underwater. By the second lesson, G was diving to the bottom of the pool and opening his eyes to get diving sticks. I was completely blown away to see him do this. After three years of being unable to get him to intentionally put his head underwater, seeing him swim underwater and dive to the bottom with eyes open is a huge accomplishment. He passed Level 2 in the first few lessons, and then continued to work on level 3 and even begin some of the level 4 skills. By the end of his lessons, he was treading water, working on a front crawl, and doing a kneeling dive. He also swam two widths so that he no longer needs to wear a lifejacket on the waterslide. Wow! It was so cool to see how much he learned, how much he enjoyed the time with his teacher, and how proud he felt about his accomplishments. L and M were both very enthusiastic about their lessons, had lots of fun with their teachers, and also became much more comfortable in the water. Both of them jumped of the diving board, and it is now one of L's favourite pool activities. They both are completely comfortable putting their heads underwater, and often ask to swim between my legs under the water. They are learning their floats, and beginning swimming motions.