During the month of June James went for swimming lessons; 2 half hour sessions a week.  This wasn't his favourite pastime, but he went and was as brave as he could be.  I think the water was a little chilly for him... tummy sucked in and ribs sticking out :)  He did everything they wanted him too, except to put his head in the water... unless it was unavoidable.  (He stumbled once, and he would inadvertently get his head wet when he jumped in at the end of the session)

So, on the last day of John and Anne's visit to our house, we went to the beach.  At first James did NOT want to wear his life jacket and did NOT want to go in the water.  But after about 5 minutes of watching his cousins have fun he ran to get his life jacket and told me he wanted to go in.  He was great!!  Suddenly he was splashing and "swimming" the best he could... using all the skills he had learned in swim lessons.  What a proud day for him and for me.  So sweet,  "look mom!  I'm swimming!"