Swimming
Earlier today Paul and Sally invited us to join them for a swim at their local David Lloyd Leisure Health Club. Both Ewen and Iain were both quite vocal in their excitement about going swimming, particularly since Clare is no longer able to take them swimming on her own (regulations at the pool). The challenge is keeping them in the change room while we change ourselves. Once the door is opened, there is no holding them back. At least that was until they realised it wasn't to the tiny indoor pool they previously played in, but the larger outdoor pool.
The steps led into an area that progressively became deeper as the boys moved further away from the stairs. Both were quite brave given how far into the pool they attempted to move. Iain was even deep enough that he couldn't touch the floor, and swallowed the odd mouthful of chlorinated water. The afternoon began with them climbing in and out near the shallow end. Each of us adults took turns trying to convince Ewen to use his feet to kick to "swim" properly. He was set on keeping his feet firmly on the floor despite wearing bright yellow armbands that quite capably kept him afloat.
As time passed and other little children arrived to play in the water, we noticed one little boy was doing the doggie paddle. We pointed him out to Ewen, but he didn't seem to take the hint of copying him. A little later, we noticed splashing behind Ewen. As you can see, the splashing was caused very effectively by his feet. And resulted in good forward motion. We were all very proud and impressed with how Ewen had the confidence to realise that the armbands would help him remain afloat while he kicked his feet. It's so impressive.
Another treat for the boys took the form of taking the opportunity to play in the very good soft play area nearby the restaurant / bar area. Sally, Clare and myself settled for a coffee, and a Millionaire's Shortbread each to tide us over until dinner. Ewen and Iain came out to take their obligatory share of Clare's and Sally's shortbread biscuits. They also had the wafer biscuits that came with the coffees. Ewen then returned to the play area while Iain hovered around the table to quench his thirst with a Fruit Shoot. I, meanwhile, had started nibbling on my shortbread eventually leaving a small tidbit for eating after a gulp of hot chocolate.
My first thoughts after taking the gulp were, "I'm certain I still had a piece left! What happened to it?" It was then I became aware of Iain standing next to me, and with an expression of delight while he chewed. Obviously, he had taken the opportunity to place the remainder of my shortbread in the only obvious place it should go, his mouth. I tried vainly to chastise him for taking it without asking, but like Clare and Sally, struggled to surpress amusement of the event, particularly with Iain's expression of total innocence.
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