transformation

With the sweltering temperatures in Ontario this entire week, daily swimming lessons were the perfect activity for our kids.  Abigail took a break from lessons (she's so far along in lessons, she can work on her endurance and strength this summer) but the boys reluctantly agreed.  With a daughter who was born a fish, having two boys reluctant to have water in their face has been a challenge.  Since swimming isn't a negotiable activity, we have had to really work at exposing them to the water.  Despite frequent trips to the pool last year, Nathaniel still carried a certain level of fear when it came to complete comfort in the water.  Jesse is a bit more comfortable but still refuses to have his face in the water.

I can't pinpoint at what time Nathaniel began to trust himself in the water, but by day two of his lessons, he was completely comfortable putting his face in the water and was eager to swim under the water and jump off the side.  If he took a few gulps of water in the process, he got right back up on the ledge to take another plunge.  You could feel the pride he felt just by looking at his beaming face.  It has really been an amazing transformation in such a short time.     

And as Nathaniel grows in his confidence and ability, he also provides a wonderful model for his younger brother.  Thankfully Jesse enjoys the water and after needing me to be with him the first couple of days, he was able to fully participate in the entire lesson.

His favorite activity.  Being able to squirt his teachers with water.

For now, I am content that he has found joy in the water.