Saturday, June 25, 2011

Swim Lessons

Summer time is here and the pools are finally opened.

It was our family decision to sign both girls up for swim lessons this summer.
Their first session began the beginning of June and included 8 lessons over a two week period (Monday- Thursday).
The first set of lessons went so well that we signed the girls up for a second set of 8 lessons.

Madison's lessons are an hour long and focus on endurance and refining her swimming skills.
Lillian's lessons are 40 minutes and focus on floating, kicking and other fundamentals.

 Lillian's lessons always begin in the shallow end of the pool. Each child is given a ring (Lillian prefers pink) which they toss into the water and retrieve. Lillian has quite the arm and throws her ring as far out into the water as possible and splashes to get it. She loves being in the water and shows no fear.
Madison's teacher Miss Amy is explaining to the group the repetition of laps they will be swimming for the day.
 Here is Madison (closest to the front) practicing her dolphin kick. She has enjoyed learning Breast stroke and Butterfly.
 At the opposite side of the pool the preschool class is playing a quick game of ring around the rosy to get their bathing suits all wet before heading to the deeper water.
 Lillian loves jumping into the pool and prefers to make a Big splash and go all the way under the water.
 Now it is her turn to practice front floating and her kicks.
 Then back to the wall for kicking.
 In just 8 lessons, Lillian has really come along way with practicing floating and can almost do it on her own.
 Madison is the queen of floating and her favorite stroke is backstroke.
 Swimming seems to be a perfect fit for Madison. She is really comfortable in the water.

 Final jumps to signal the end of the lesson for Lillian.
 Madison's last lap of swim lessons (still working on her dolphin kick) before her final jump in.


The girls have 4 more lessons this week and then will be finished for the summer (Just in time for Baby Button's arrival).
Madison has done so well with her lessons that she has been asked to join the recreational swim team at the pool in the fall. She is really excited. The team practices once a week for an hour and a half and has a  meet once a month against other local pools. Madison is thrilled to have a sport of her own.