at the pool

so, i'm a few weeks late on these pictures, but even still, i wanted to post about our annual summer session of swimming lessons at the city pool.  there is just something about this way of kicking off the summer.  it feels very "old school", just the way we go every day, rain or shine.  the community feel to it.  the way it's been done for years with very little changed in the format.  the kids seem to enjoy the predictability it brings, and there is the rewarding feeling of passing the level at the end of the two weeks.  the final day is always "fun day" with pool activities and candy at the end! what's not to love about that?? 

Layla, Hudson and AJ...

 

unless, of course, you are Hannah, whose final day would be more suitably called "the not-so-fun-day" or if you are dramatic like her "day of death" :).  she is now into the higher levels of swimming lessons and training to be a lifeguard~ so to complete Bronze Cross you must pass a written exam as well as an in-pool exam.  she did~ and she is so relieved it is over...she is already using her skills this week on "Beach Crew" at the summer camp her older sister is lifeguarding at.  so good for them both...which means next summer we will be down to four at the pool, as our older two are beyond the levels offered by the city. 

 

 

honestly, this is for sure a summer routine i will miss one day.  it can be taxing to get them to the pool on time and commit to the two plus hours required, for two weeks straight.  but as i sit and observe, i see their skills improving and the very real personal satisfaction they feel as they learn and achieve.  i love watching the rapport develop with their teachers.  these instructors are all highschool or college-aged kids who impress me year after year.  they are solid teachers with a nice dose of patience and fun mixed in as well.  below is a picture of AJ "schmoozing" with the lifeguards before class. the picture is taken from a bit far away, but he's the small brown guy in the middle :).

 

 

i love watching my kids do jumps and flips off the board.  i love seeing their endurance displayed as they all do distance swims within set time frames.  i'm so thankful for their healthy and able bodies.  so blessed they are to be able to use them in this way.  it is just good...