Pike 1

Swim class Pike 1 has begun. It's been about a year since we had swim class. I was pregnant with aaron when we were in their last class (shrimp Kippers class). This Pike 1 class is only for children who have passed Shrimp Kippers and are also at least 3 years old. My sister-in-law Julie and her daughter Heather came to visit from Green Bay this morning, so Heather was able to take some pictures and video for us.
Nicholas was a bit hesitant this first week. We just had our second class this last saturday and he was much more at ease. Celia, as her adventure girl attitude remains, was quite relaxed and willing to try most of the swim tasks (note their body language in the top photo).
They start out by having the kids sit on the edge and the parents entering the water first. Then the kids have to go in the 'safe way' by putting their hands on one side of their bodies and lowering themselves into the water. Then they hold on to the edge by themselves and then bob up and down. First to get their shoulders wet, then their chins, blow bubbles with mouth, blow bubbles with nose... see where we're going. Eventually the little buggers will be going under (they don't know this yet). ha ha
Then they practice floating on their tummies and then on their backs. In the video you'll see Jason release Celia to float on her back and she actually does. She's always been very good at this. Nicholas is a much more cautious person so he's not quite ready to do this yet.
They also learn to use the kickboards (and enter to water on their own with the kickboards). The class is 30 minutes long. The last few minutes of class they get to stand on the edge and jump in to us. Last class they were jumping in and going under before we scooped them up. They did quite well. The first week Nicholas was so excited to jump in that he was giggling and could hardly compose himself to actually jump. It was so cute.
This swim class was a gift from my good friend Julie and also from Aunt Angy and Russ. I'm loving gift money for them towards some classes at the YMCA (and they are too!).



sitting on the edge ready to start
Getting in! Note the nice small class! The pool is about 90 degrees too.
Bobbing up and down
floating on their tummies like airplanes
Listening to the swim teacher