Lil Swimmers

We finished up our 8-week swim lessons last night. While I wouldn't say that the girls are anywhere near independent in the water, they certaining are much more comfortable. If I think back to the very first lesson where Madeleine almost drowned when she got trapped heading toward the deep end, they've come a long way.

They can float on their back assisted and swim with assistance. They are both more comfortable putting their face in the water, and Lily even was able to pick up the diving rings yesterday without using her feet.

But what I think the girls liked most about the lessons was the ice cream reward on Thursdays. We'd have dinner together in the cafe (they eat better there than anywhere else), and then we'd go to Maggie Moo's. Madeleine wanted to go on Tuesday, and when I said no, she refused to get out of the pool. Nothing like your preschooler having a temper tantrum in the water when you're fully clothed and can't get to her.

I'm not sure what we'll do about continuing lessons. They've changed their swim program structure to offer "continual" lessons. Where you get a time set up, and you just keep going once a week at that same time. You're billed on a monthly basis, and if you want to stop, you have to give 30 days notice.

During the week, they only have Monday and Wednesday times in the afternoons, and it's been challenging getting off work early to make sure that they have lessons and time for dinner and relaxing before bed. I don't really want to do Saturdays since that would interfere with our ability to go out of town, do birthday parties, or other activities with the girls.

So, I'm trying to figure out what activity to do next if not swim lessons. Introductory ballet classes start up on Mondays through the Town of Cary in September. They liked that but weren't crazy about the teacher from last December, but she's teaching again this year. Lily's showing an interest in soccer, but the Lil Kickers program is only on Saturday, and it lasts for 13 weeks. Lots of money and commitment if you don't know if they're going to like it or not. They have some stuff at the gym, but again, the scheduling is tough when both Mom and Dad work.