Swimming Lessons

This spring Owen and Cole wrapped up another session of swimming lessons.  The boys have been taking lessons for years, but this was the first year that Cole was in a big boy class.  The first few weeks of his class the parents got in the water with the kids, but then halfway through the session, the kids went in all by themselves.  We weren't sure how Cole would do - while he loves the water, he's very unsure about walking in it without having a hand to hold onto.  But he ended up doing a great job all by himself, although he did make sure to stick close to his teacher (he may have been a bit on the clingy side at times!) 

Cole was one of six three-year-old boys in the Manta Ray class.  His teacher sure had her work cut out for her.  They were very busy little boys!  Cole passed the class and next session he will be all by himself the entire time - no more getting into the pool at swimming lessons for Pa - a first in 4 1/2 years!

Cole (in the red) and his classmates listening to their teacher

Cole practicing the front float

Cole practicing the back float

Cole and his classmates who are supposed to be on their tummies blowing bubbles

Cole jumping into the pool

"I got it!" Cole finding rings in the water

Owen was in the Sea Monkey class again this spring.  It's the last class of beginner lessons so there is a lot to accomplish before moving onto the intermediate classes.  He is becoming quite the little swimmer, learning how to front and back float all my himself, and working on the Elementary Backstroke (or touch, tickle, takeoff as they call it in class) and the American Crawl. 

Owen practicing the front float

Owen practicing the back float

Owen ready to push off the wall...

And there he goes...

...and goes!!!

Owen pushing off the wall backwards...

...and off he goes!

Owen and Cole are turning into quite the little fishes.  Before we know it, they'll be swimming laps around us!