Last Swim Class for Now

This morning the kids had their last swim class for this session. Andrea, Kevin, and Ryan each completed their level successfully and will move up to a new class next time: Andrea to Preschool 4, Kevin to preschool 2, and Ryan to Parent & Tot 2. I tried to get a few pictures of each of them in their class, but it's always a bit crazy since we've started all three in swim class. In fact, we've decided to take a break for next session, and let Andrea try a ballet class instead (that will start in mid-January).

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Kevin's done well in his swim class this session. It was his first class without Mommy and Daddy, and he handled it fairly well. He was a bit shy and hesitant at first, but for the most part, he's cooperated well with his teacher. He still needs to get more comfortable with putting his face in the water; however, he's made a lot of progress with jumping in and bobbing his head under water. As the pictures show, he still needs a little encouragement to jump in, but when he's ready, he makes it a good jump!

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I'd have to say that of the three kids, Ryan seemed to be the one who most enjoyed swim class this session. It was his first time in swim class, and despite class time interfering with nap time, he's usually in a great mood once he's in the water. He kicks really well and enjoys splashing. His favourite part is when they sing songs and bob up and down in the water. He was so absorbed in his swim activities that I couldn't get him to look up when I tried to get a picture! When I finally got him to look at me, his expression seemed to say, "I'm busy here. Do you need something?"

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Andrea's swim experience was mixed this session. She started out loving it; then she had a bad dunk and got scared for a few weeks; then we worked with her teacher to overcome her fear, and she liked it again. One thing she was really excited about was the teacher told her he would take the class down the big water slide on the last day. This morning she was a bit nervous, but we kept reassuring her she would have so much fun if she tried it. For the first slide down, the teacher went down with her, to make her feel a bit more secure. She loved it! The next time, she went down the big slide all by herself. Then, she kept asking the teacher to go again! Unfortunately, time ran out for her class, so she only got two turns. Now she keeps saying, "I love swim class! I wish swim class could just be going down the big slide!" (We might take them for a few family swims this winter since we decided to take a break from classes. I hope they will let Andrea go down the water slide!)

Here's a video of Andrea's two trips down the water slide. I only got her on the last stretch, because that's all you can really see from deck level. Keep in mind, this is a full-sized water park slide! I was so proud of her for being brave, and happy she didn't miss out on the fun. :)