Swim lessons cont'd

Well, we're now in week 2 of lessons and Sam is continuing to do fantastic! His fear of the 'deep end' is slowing coming to a halt. He is going under water, floating on his own, and learning to jump in the deep end w/o assistance! BIG improvements! We are so proud of him. His last day of lessons is on Thursday. Today on our walk home from the pool he said, "mommy, I'm going to miss Ms. Lindsay when we leave for WI!" I was so proud because last week, well, Ms. Lindsay was viewed as a demanding mean lady. His class is perfect for him.

I have to share a story that just makes me laugh. Last week Wednesday Sam and I had a HUGE discussion about the pool and being safe etc. He went to class on Tuesday and basically wined and cried the entire class. When Ms. Lindsay would ask him to do something, he would do it, but with great force and a HUGE amount of fear. So, all night Tuesday we pretended to be lifeguards, jump into the pool etc. I told him that if he did not wine and cry on Wednesday, I would take him to McDonald's for lunch. However, he HAD to listen to Ms. Lindsay and no wining crying, etc. We made this agreement on our walk to the pool, it was fresh in his head. McDonald's in this pool is SUCH a GREAT bribe in this house.

So, per our conversation the day before and all morning before class, he was a perfect swim student. Didn't even think about crying, smiled the entire class and did EVERYTHING Ms. Lindsay asked him to do, still with fear, but not as much. When class was about 1/3 of the way done, Sam turned around to find me with a HUGE smile on his face. Gave me the 'thumbs' up and continued on listening. All of a sudden, I overheard this conversation;

Sam: Ms. Lindsay, do you know what?
Ms. L: What Sam?
Sam: My mommy is taking me to McDonald's, because, see, no tears!
Ms. L: Good Job Sam...
Another boy: McDonald's, MOM...DID YOU HEAR THAT? Sam is going to McDonald's...
Another boy's mom: Turn around and pay attention....
Sam: YES!!! I Get a Happy Meal
Another different boy: I love the race cars.....vrrrrrrrroooooooommmmmmmmmmmm
A girl: I like the pink slipper. See, this is what I get when I go to McDonald's
Sam: A pink slipper???
Another different boy: I LOVE french fries
Sam: Me too
Ms. L: Okay guys, let's think about swimming!
Sam: Okay, but I get to go there after swimming because no tears!
Ms. L: I'm so proud Sam, great!
Another girl: MOMMY...CAN I GO TO MCDONALD'S too?
Ms. L: Okay class, all look at me.
Another girl: MOMMY...YOU CAN'T Hear me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to go to McDonald's too.
Sam: It's okay, you can come with my mommy. She'll get you a fry.
Ms. L: ALL RIGHT Kids, ENOUGH McDonald's TALK . Now, look at me.
Sam: okay.. but di.........
Ms. L: Enough Sam.

It was the cutest little people conversation I have ever heard and my son, the talker (imagine that) got the entire class wound up, upset and excited about McDonald's! Oh little people!

Enjoy the photos below of our afternoon swim lesson show-off to daddy!!!! This first picture Sam was showing off to the Lifeguard!


Here is precious Matthew. He will NOT take his flip flops off and insists on wearing them to the pool. It is a huge fight to get him to take them off. We go through this EVERY morning when we go. Oh precious one! You warm my heart.