Last week, Miss Madeley completed her week of swim lessons! This was our seventh year in a row to visit Mrs. Sally’s house for a week of swim lessons. We started when this one was just two…
…look at baby Kensington!!!!! Those legs!!!!
And then, we added in the boy the following year…
Someone hand me a tissue. I mean…they were JUST THAT LITTLE! Like yesterday.
And through the years, we’ve continued to visit every May or June…
At this point, I’m going to need someone to come over and make my kids’ breakfast. I’m in the fetal position sobbing uncontrollably.
We added in Miss Ashby when she was three. Look at her sweet face!!!!
And then last year, the two big kids stopped (once they learn to swim, Sally teaches diving and other pool related things), and we added in this one…
…crazy hair, don’t care.
This year, though, it was Madeley and Madeley alone. Down to my last little swimmer at Mrs. Sally’s house…
…you know, the beauty of the first day of swim lessons is that you don’t know what’s about to happen 🙂 .
Madeley loves being in the pool. Madeley does not love someone else making her get her “eyes wet”.
When you think it’s only your friend who is getting dunked today.
And then, it’s your turn.
Mrs. Sally is SO AMAZING with kids!!
These two don’t have school on Mondays, so they were thrilled to watch…and not participate. #alreadyhadtheirturnwhentheywerelittle
Tuesday started with all smiles!
And then, she realized that dang it, Mrs. Sally was going to make her learn how to swim again.
Also, let’s talk about how Mrs. Sally DOES NOT AGE. She looks the exact same from seven years ago!
Day three…so much potential before we start…
…but lots of tears.
BUT SHE WAS GETTING IT!!! And that’s the point, right?!
Go Madeley!!!
Now, I was taking videos of her swimming and later that night, she wanted to watch. She kept watching them and then was like “Why I crying?” and I was like, “I don’t know! Stop and just have fun!”. And you know what? On day four, she told me to video her again because she wasn’t going to cry…
…and she didn’t!!! Ha! It’s like it finally clicked in her little head…and she had FUN!!
Finally, day FIVE…
She was even excited to go on day five 🙂 .
Off the diving board for Madeley!
And then she “graduated” with a medal and sucker. #soproud
Now, sometimes, after a week with Mrs. Sally, it “clicks” and my kiddos are instant fish and sometimes, not so much and they regress a bit. At home, we’ve been letting her try swimming to us without a flotation device, but then we also let her wear it because she likes to be able to jump off the side, float around like the big kids and such. So, we’ll see if this clicks and she stays a swimmer or if we just practice a bit and go back to Sally’s again next year. Either way? I’m super proud of my three year old!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Aww, the kids are a natural at swimming! Perfect for summer! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Elspeth Mizner says
Will she continue with swim lessons or after a week is she done? She happy she’s finally enjoying it!
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s done! Sally does it one week a year!
Sheaffer Sims says
THAT PICTURE of Madeley all happy and full of promise with Britt in the background losing her ever lovin’ mind had me ROLLING! I remember hiding in the garage at Miss Sally’s during Carter’s first year like it was yesterday!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m rolling too!!! Precious Madeley didn’t realize she was next. But by the end of the week they were pros!!
Tabitha says
Go Madeley!! So fun.
It seems like yesterday Madeley refused to eat sweets; now she’s one of the gang – devouring every dessert available! So precious.
Elle says
Shay, you have the most adorable kids!
Do you find that they learn just as much doing a one-week swim course vs. taking lessons once a week for multiple weeks?
https://macaroonsonmain.blogspot.com/
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, this is the only way we’ve done it. I had several friends (with older kids) use Mrs. Sally, so that’s why we picked her and this method. I can’t compare it to a once a week lesson. Sorry!
Narci Dreffs says
Oh my gosh!! How sweet are baby Kensington and Smith??? Also, Madeley in a swimsuit is the cutest thing ever!! Yay for a great week if swim lessons! So fun!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Awww I agree Mrs. Sally doesn’t age! I’ve been following the blog for a long time and it seems like Smith & Kensington were just that little in all your pictures!! So happy Madeley was doing well by the end of the week!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Lisa D says
Fun! And Madeley’s got the cutest swimsuits!
Ramona says
Your children are adorable and beautiful! Love the pictures!
Laci says
I love this! These kiddos are just too cute!
Dana says
I don’t know why but this post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing such cuteness!!
Laurie S says
I think Madeley can swim better than I can!
Mindy says
No need to post this comment but just an fyi… the ads on your blog page have made it almost impossible to get through. It causes pauses and freezes and jumps around. This just stayed happening in the past month. It’s so frustrating. And I have the most up to date phone and operating system there is!
Just wanted to let you know. I’m sure I can’t be the only one. Just thought you might want to know. I do enjoy your blog or I wouldn’t even keep trying lol!
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to know this stuff! I’m going to let the girl who helps me with my blog (all the techy stuff!) know!
Keesha says
The same thing has been happening to me, too!
Sandi says
I don’t have that issue at all…. I read on both my PC and my IPhone and there is just 1ad banner at the bottom of the page.
Carly says
I love how she just realized that it could be fun and she’d try it that way. TOO CUTE. Also I was wondering if you had any English breakfast menus? I am throwing a Royal Wedding Viewing party and with your party planning skills and love of London was just curious!
Jenna says
How sweet and cute! What a great way to kick off summer!
Angela Ellingson says
Love to see the progress and love that she teaches them to really swim! All of your babies are so adorable!
DANIELLE K RIGG says
ADOREABLE!!!! In your instagram stories, I love your navy dress. Where is that from? Have a wonderful week & hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Mix and Match Mama says
Loft, last year!
Deirdre Lennon says
Yay!! Good job. My daughter is starting swim lessons & I hope it “clicks” with her too ??I love the swim suit in the photo with the medal. Where is it from? Here’s to a great swimming filled summer! ?
Julie says
This reminds me SO much of how we did swim lessons with my kids when they were young! Almost exactly actually, down to the lollipop (?)- only the pool wasn’t quite as luxurious, haha. Also there were two ladies and one of their daughters that were available to teach. But the teaching style was very consistent no matter who the child was with. They were awesome-gentle, encouraging, and loving while also pushing them a bit and being firm, not wimpy when they cried or protested (at first). I couldn’t have done that with them, as a not great swimmer myself. Now age 19 and 14, my boys love the water and have thanked me for putting them in those swim classes year after year! Yes they were more expensive than some lessons we could have done, but we felt it was a very worthwhile investment. Oh, and I remember with each kid, there was one year early on that we made some progress but the teacher just threw it out there that if there was any way we could afford a second week of lessons (pretty much back to back), she felt it would really help and get them through that little bit of fear and hesitancy they were still showing. We cringed a little at the money spent but took the recommendation and were very glad we did! Kind of a breakthrough and then they were good from then on each year to freshen up and strengthen their skills. Loved seeing this post and thanks also for bringing back some great memories for me!
Tish Ferry says
Such sweet pictures of Madeley! And my goodness, sweet little Britt too! So much cuteness today! Simply Tish
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I just don’t know how you stand all the cuteness every day!!
That Inspired Chick
Heidi says
So cute! Does Mrs. Sally let the parents stay and watch the whole time? Our swim teacher would never let us because the kids would want us to “rescue” them! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
If the parents become a distraction, she asks you to step into her garage. I did that a lot with Kensington. Hahahaha!
Dianna says
I can’t stop laughing at the pic of Britt crying and Madeley smiling!! So funny!
Kelly says
Yay, Madeley!!!! I loved following along this week on Instagram:). And yes, where did baby K and Smith go? It doesn’t seem possible.
Chelsea says
I am DYING at the “When you think it’s just your friend getting dunked” then the “when you realize you are too” pictures of Madeley and Britty! So funny!!
Chrystianne says
These pictures had me DYING!! The two of them crying and looking so miserable. Poor little things…and yet I couldn’t stop laughing!
Tracy says
What an adorable post. Just wanted to write a comment to say that one of the reasons I love reading your blog every day is because of your positive attitude and excitement for whatever the upcoming season holds. Whether it’s looking forward to some lazy days in the sunshine, all-things-pumpkin in the fall, or holiday cheer, I can always count on you to make me look forward to something. With all of the negative things going on in the world today, your blog is such a source of happiness for me. Just wanted to share that 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
This is so sweet, Tracy. Thank you so much!!
Kristy Allgood says
I’m dying for someone to teach my youngest now that we have a pool. We’re new to the area…can you email me her information?
Mix and Match Mama says
Just did!
Crystal says
Hi. If you get time, would you please email me Mrs. Sally’s info too? I tried searchingly for her but nothing Came up. Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Done!
Constance says
Adorable!!!!!
Sandy Manning says
I would call that a week of success! Miss Sally is not aging for sure! That is hilarious about you having to go in her garage when Kensington was learning!!!!!
Kacy Mah says
I remember my swim club days…so much fun!
Rhiannon Langford says
Both my boys did swimming lessons with Ms. Sally! She is THE BEST!! Now they’re older and I miss those days. But now they are my big “little” fish:)
Maddy says
Can you please send me Ms Sally’s information?
Mix and Match Mama says
Done!