SOME BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Today both Brayden and Becca made some huge strides in their swimming abilities. We made it to the local pool a little late in the afternoon but both the older two were ready to swim. Brayden immediately went to his jumping spot and Becca couldn't wait to get her life jacket on and head to the deep end. Brayden decided to head to the diving board to show off his moves for Ron. They allow him to wear his life-jacket and he just barrels off the end of the diving board, a full sprint to the end. After watching Brayden a couple times with Becca next to me I suggested she try it seeing as she could wear her life-jacket. She shocked me and promptly swam to the side, climbed out and walked over to the diving board. She walked to the end slowly, holding on to the bars, I thought she might turn around but slowly she inched her way out then slowly stepped off. I only saw a look of complete fright while she was in the air falling. She bobbed to the surface, swam to the side, climbed out and then with a huge grin went and did it all over again. By the end our time she was about jumping off the end, no fear just huge smiles-my big three-year old!
Mid-way through our swim Ron convinced Brayden to try the slides. There are two into the deep end and you can't wear life-jackets. I know Brayden can swim but I was a little unsure about him swimming to the surface and then swimming to the side. Well, I don't know why I worry he did great! Thankfully he swims great underwater and I think if he could hold his breath he would swim most of the time under water. He did look pretty strong and actually was able to get his arms out of the water for a couple strokes in between all the dog paddling. The big thing was there was no fear on his face-he is most apprehensive about the deep end and I think he still will be, but it was lots of fun to see him swim somewhat on his own.
Okay, Andrea was also there, no great strides for her. She had her own little picnic in the corner. She was the little girl sitting on her towel with two water bottles and an almost empty package of graham crackers-very happy.