First Swim Class for our Little Tadpoles

The kids have Always loved the water - whether it is the pool, the lake, the bath tub.  Doesn't matter ~ they Love splashing around.  We decided it was time to take them to swim class.  As we are walking in, Karsten is telling me he is ready to be a swimmy shark and Kasey is skipping cause he is so jazzed to get in the water.  The kids were most certainly psyched!  We looked at the pool, talked up the fact that they get to swim 'with out' Mommy and Daddy and how exciting that was.  Their reaction? Lots of giggles and squeals about how much fun they are going to have.  We take lots of pictures, explain to the kids they are our little Tadpoles (the name of their class) and are most certainly ready for class to start.

Waiting Patiently for their teachers

The teachers arrive and ask the kids if they are ready to swim.  Kasey steps up, grabs the teachers hand and starts pulling her towards the pool.  He was ready! 

Let's Do This Thing!

First time going underwater
Got some water in the nose!

Yep - this is the face of a kid who Hates to Swim!

Karsten's face Immediately fell as he finally realized that Mommy really meant she wasn't going to swim with him.  I don't think I can ever forget that sad 'Mommy, don't leave me eyes.'  The teacher picked Karsten up and started walking into the pool.

"Mommmmyyyy!!  I Want Mooommmmmmy!

 The crying continued, so she swam him away from the class.  Then, they tried bringing him back to his brother so Kasey could comfort him.  This might have worked ~ If Kasey wasn't having so much fun.  Kasey was too busy blowing bubbles to try to comfort his brother.  At one point, Kasey did try to give Karsten a boat to play with, but Karsten still wasn't having any fun.

Kasey trying to console his brother (Unsuccessfully)

Maybe if I hold onto this pole Mommy will come get me

I think this picture captures the entire session perfectly.  A sobbing Karsten and an exasperated swim coach.  In fact, I think this was Karsten's third teacher of the night.  Each teacher tried to get him to calm down.  There was a moment at the end of the night (2 min left of class) where he decided it was time to swim.  We have 7 classes left ~ Here is to hoping the other sessions go better!

And, because we couldn't leave you on such sad pictures of Baby K... Here is how Class #2 went just two tiny days later!

I think that is Almost a SMILE!

Blowing bubbles
(Kasey is the one in the center blowing with all his might)

Day #2 is a SUCCESS! Nice Job today, Kids!

At this point, we are almost finished with this session.  Only two classes left!  The kids will be crushed as they have to wait until fall to get into the next course due to their age.  I am pleased to say the kids Jump into the water, practice 'scooping' with their hands (in the water & on the way home in the car), blow bubbles, get their heads wet by themselves and are kicking machines!  They even go under water with little to no crying.  This class has been quite successful!  I can't wait till they can move up to the next level!