boys will be boys...: Swimming!

Today was our first venture to the Perrysburg pool. I was SO excited at the prospect of having a pool to go to - I knew I would miss having the opportunity to swim whenever I want since we no longer have a pool at our house, but I love the idea that I don't have to do any pool-related maintenance. This is the next best thing, if you ask me!

The boys have been really iffy about getting water in their faces lately. I'm totally one of those parents that wants them to just suck it up. I refuse to coddle this ridiculous fear of having more than three drops of water on their faces. I figured we'd start slow and visit the pool as often as possible until we can get over the fear.

This is also one of the first times they have ever been swimming without life jackets. They swim a lot at the lake, but they always have life jackets on. And last summer we let Logan wear his in our pool at the old house because it was nice that he could swim on his own while we tended to Brayden.

The Perrysburg pool has a "Toddler Time" on weekday mornings from 10-noon where only kids under 5 are allowed in the pool, and it's FREE for city residents. They only have the two shallower parts of the pool open because the swim team was practicing in the deeper part, but it was perfect. The water was only two feet deep in the part of the pool where the boys played the most, so it was really nice to not have to worry about them venturing too far into the water. Overall, they both did really well! The water was cold, and they were both hesitant at first but it didn't take long for them to gain a little confidence. They managed to swipe several toys from different kids to play with, but no one seemed to mind (I didn't know we were allowed to bring toys, so I didn't bring any with us - I know better for next time). It never really got to the point where I felt like it was crowded, and I didn't have much trouble keeping an eye on both boys at the same time. By the time we were ready to leave, they were both splashing around like crazy, starting water fights with me, each other, and another little boy they were playing with. Both had wet faces, and neither seemed to mind! I got Logan to be brave enough to walk out to the deepest part of the pool we were in (2 feet) and touch the rope. He was scared to do this at first, but by the end he was a pro (baby steps for Logan, Brayden just did it on his own). And, the best part is I got to sit in the sun for two hours! We will definitely be visiting at least a few times a week. I'm looking forward to having a very tan summer :)

A few pictures...