Back in the Pool

The kids took a break from swimming through last summer and fall.  Both kids swam almost daily last summer at the Country Club, and when fall came I wanted to see how Luke adjusted to his new full-day, 5 days a week Kindergarten schedule before I started adding afternoon activities.  Plus, I was anxious for Mia to turn 3 so that she could be in the water without a parent.  So, this month we went back to swimming lessons for the first time since last spring.

Luke is starting back at his previous level as a Sea Turtle, and Mia is at the first level without a parent, which is Guppy.

Little Skiers

We spent the week between Christmas and New Years in Tahoe.  As usual, Luke was anxious to get up on the mountain (and enjoys the treats up there as well).

The skiing highlight this week was Mia's first ski lesson!  She was excited to get out there and try it out.  So, our little lady suited up...

 

 

...and headed up the mountain.

Coach Jay was out working with Luke, so Mia's ski instructor was Coach Marty.  He was amazing and PERFECT for Mia's first experience.  She had a great time and even made it up the magic carpet and back down a couple of times.  By the end of the lesson, she said that she loved skiing, but wanted the boots off (who can blame her?). 

We were so pleased with her first lesson and so proud of how she got out there.  So, where did we head next?  For a hot chocolate and a cookie, of course!

Tired skiers heading home



Swimming lessons

Grandma was able to come to swimming lessons with us this week, which was great, not only to have her there, but also so that we could get a few pictures of Luke in the water.

Swimming this summer has been a WONDERFUL experience - much different than last summer. Luke loves the water and has become really good at holding his breath and going under. He's starting to kick pretty regularly also.

Here he is playing the ball game that each lesson begins with. The kids grab a ball and then "swim" with it to the edge and put it in the basket.


This week we worked a lot on the kids coming into the pool from the edge, going under, and then practicing turning around, reaching for the wall and hanging on. They are emphasizing safety techniques, which I think is great. Learning to find and get to the wall, and then to hold on is probably one of the most important skills a 2-3 year old can have in the water.