Swimming Lessons, Again!

We just ended another session of swim lessons at our community outdoor pool.

Noelle has passed all the levels, so she just gets more practice everyday, which is not a bad thing at all.  Her butterfly is looking great and her lack of speed in the freestyle is improving.  She needs her stamina built up and this daily practice is surely helping.

Zane shocked me the most.  He was actually swimming by today's last class.  He even jumped off the diving board and swam to the ladder unassisted!  I was blown away that he accomplished this at only four years of age.  I know that children who have backyard pools and that are able to swim all the time learn earlier, but we do not have that.  So, his ability surprised me!

Violette also became a more confident and skilled swimmer proving that she was able to go the distance!  Her freestyle is starting to look great, and her backstroke really is improving.

Max worked hard and also improved.  He almost has his dive down and is working very hard on his butterfly stroke.  He was lucky to be the only student in his class and therefore received private lessons the entire time!  That one on one time is so valuable learning such an important skill.

The kids enjoyed themselves so much that we signed up for another two week session, starting Monday.  It's a fun way to start the day, they are improving daily, and it's an important skill to have, so it's definitely worth it!

Traverse City Summer 2015

We made it out onto Lake Michigan, finally, this past weekend.  Saturday's weather was gorgeous, sunny with a light breeze and an abundance of fluffy floating clouds.  It amazes me, the clearness of the water and the colors that a fresh water lake produces.  They rival Caribbean beauty.  

My Mom is having a full knee replacement on Aug 5th and we wanted to spend time with her before she would be out of commission.  What better way to spend quality time, than on the Lake?!

Our first stop after leaving the harbor, and letting the children drive the boat, was a small ship wreck.  The children had been talking about finally being good enough swimmers to jump in and explore the wreck from above.  Alex and I jumped in first, after some searching, and the kids followed suit.  The water was a bit chilly, almost shocking!  Noelle and Max were surprised by the temperature and immediately began to squeal out!  Once calmed down they stuck their faces in, and look down about 25 ft.  There was the wreck staring up at them.  Max freaked.  Full out freak situation occurred.  He spazed and splashed and yelled out.  The depth of the water, the visual of seeing the wreck, the unknown of what was lurking below all contributed to his meltdown.  Violette and Zane jumped in, but shortly after witnessing Max's unravel, they swim back to the boat.  It took some convincing, but Noelle finally calmed down and was able to swim above the wreck with her face submerged.  Her face lit up upon viewing it!  

The water was a bit choppy to get a clear image, but here is one from a few years ago:

We soon anchored the boat and began searching for driftwood, playing on shore, and swimming in the crystal clear waters for hours on end.  It was a great day on the lake and by the time we drive the boat back, Zane had fallen asleep in the cabin and the other's were barely hanging on to their awakeness.  

 We were thankful that we got to spend such a warm, sunny, and wonderful day out on the fabulous Lake Michigan!