Swimming Lessons

We started swimming lessons last week and this time we tried a new place. We had been going to the same place for 3 years and the kids liked it but it seemed like the boys weren't being challenged much. We had heard good things about Larson Lifestyle Center so we signed the kids up there. When we arrived last Monday it was a MAD HOUSE! Luckily Robb and I both went since I still can't drive. We needed 2 people to get everyone dressed and into the pool area.
1. First big mistake: I intended to just have them put their suits on there. It was way to crowded and busy, the boys aren't allowed in the women's locker room, and Caleb all the sudden is very modest and wouldn't take his clothes off in front of people.
2. Second big mistake: I told the kids we would stay and watch them. Well, parents can stay and watch but you have to do it from the balcony upstairs behind tinted glass. Of course that didn't go over well because Abby just wanted her Mama.
Once we finally got them in the pool area I was already thinking this was NOT the place for us. Watching from upstairs I could see Abby crying and it broke my heart. I sent Robb down to talk to her since it was a lot of work to get up the stairs in the first place. He got stopped by the lifeguard who told him parents weren't allowed and they just wanted them to cry it out the first lesson and they would come get us if they needed us. Well I was already stressed and that just put me into momma bear mode of its my kid and I will go talk to her if I want! Luckily I have a husband that balances out my high stress personality. Anyway, I stayed put and Abby did eventually stop crying.
It seemed like the boys were learning some new skills which was great and the pool is huge and they were using the whole pool to teach class. One of the main problems with the last place was that the pool wasn't very deep and they could touch most places. It's hard to learn to swim if you can touch.
We now have 4 lessons behind us and although I don't love how hectic it is getting in and out and the 2 times a week at 5:30 messes up the entire night as far as supper but I think the boys are learning a lot and Abby, well I'm not sure she is learning much but I think she will get something out of it.
(I don't have any pictures because I have to watch from the balcony)