Swimming every day.

Our community HOA comes with a pool (and some cranky folk who don't like non grass plants growing in the yard) - but the good part is the pool.

Anyway, not having any AC on we are in it every day, trying to cool off.  (I say trying because the water isn't very cool!)

This year has been a great year to see all kinds of improvements in the kids swimming abilities.

Little One is a total fish, she will walk of the edge, or ease herself in backwards (without checking for a grown up to catch her!)  And she will flop around on the 'steps' in the shallow section.  She also puts her face in - occasionally blowing bubbles, and sometimes tries to swim (or drown herself, depending on how you look at it!)

This summer we have seen the greatest improvement in Baby Girl, she went from just paddling around on a noodle to already being able to tread water for 10-15 seconds, and swim 1/3 to 1/2 way across the pool (short ways).  She still doesn't float on her back very well, but we are working on it.

Little Man doesn't seem to be learning much, he can float for very long periods of time, and treads water just fine, but his swimming is still a slow dog paddle or a pathetic 'elementary backstroke'.  Sadly that is all I can teach and Daddy is usually busy trying yet again to convince the older two to swim better.  We have started to add in a mandatory 'lesson' with Daddy for all of the kids.

Both of the older ones already know plenty of basic swimming, but we just can't seem to convince them to really work on the strokes.  Dude does once in awhile stretch out his arms and actually looks like he is freestyling, but nothing consistent.

Though regardless of what they look like, both the older ones can beat my pathetic dogpaddle!  I still am faster on the backstroke, by a smidgen.  I doubt I will remain so for the whole summer!

The pool is one of the things I am so grateful for.  Every morning after a few chores we head out.  I am glad the kids have a chance to both play and work on some skills.  We usually pack a snack and read story during 'adult swim' (10 minute break for the lifeguards every hour).

If the funding can be worked out, I think we will try to get the kids on a swim team for the fall, a bit of formal instruction, and a chance to swim farther into the year.