Kaden had his first set of swimming lessons in September. I can't remember if I wrote about it here, but suffice it to say, it was traumatic for both of us. I was not impressed at all with the maturity or skill of the teachers, the water was FRIGID, and the head instructor was very loud, unsympathetic, and demanding. (I was going to add a picture here, but it makes me sad just looking at them, remembering how he cried on and off through the entire 45 minute lesson every day even though trying to be brave, and was so cold because he spent most of the lesson sitting on edge of the pool...so, no sad picture)
Inadvertently, I quite literally ran into a local indoor water park that offers swim lessons. The price was reasonable, the staff knowledgeable, and the water WARM (85 degrees compared to the previous 70 degrees is HUGE, especially to a 3 year old!). I was cautiously impressed on our first visit with both the facility and the staff. Kaden hesitated the first two lessons, but hasn't looked back since. He asks to go to swim lessons and he has FUN! He's moving his arms, blowing bubbles, kicking with a noodle both on his belly and on his back, and jumping in! I am so thrilled. It's not a battle any more and he hasn't been left with a "bad taste in his mouth" due to our first experience. Praise the Lord! 
This week he has his final two lessons of the session. Now I have to decide whether to sign him up for the next session. Guess it's good to have that option instead of counting the hours until it's all over!
Forgot to mention...he is one of three students in his group and he really likes the two other little girls.
This is what Marin does for the 35 minutes while Kaden has his lesson...plays and snacks in her stroller. If given a choice, she'd be in that water too!
