Swimming Performance Day

The last couple of years Kaylee has taken swimming lessons from Gin Manning. We used to live in their ward. She is an amazing teacher and Kaylee just loves her. Charles always felt left out whenever Kaylee got to go to swimming lessons, so this year was his turn to begin lessons! I thought he would be so excited, but it turns out he was a little nervous about the water. Each day I took him he begged not to go and would cry until Gin helped him into the pool. Despite the tears, each time I picked him up afterward he was all smiles and telling me all about the things they learned! Thursday was swimming performance day. The kids were both sick off and on all week, it was so frustrating! Kaylee is sad in this picture because she had to miss performance day. To tell the truth, I don't know who was the most upset about it- Kaylee or me. We were very happy to be able to watch Charles, though. He cried through nearly the first half of the performance, but finally he got into it and did quite well, especially jumping off the diving board! I was so proud of him. Charles doing flutter kicks Charles blowing bubbles in the water. Each time he had to put his face in the water he got pretty upset! But he was a good sport. This is the part where he really got excited! He stood at attention like a soldier! He also did really well floating on his back and doing "Finding Nemo" or "finning."
I was so proud of Charles! That takes a lot of courage for a little guy! He says to me before, "I'm just scared! I don't want swimming lessons!" Afterwards, I asked him if he'd like to take swimming lessons again and he says, "Yes, tomorrow!" Way to go, Charles!