Swim Lessons

The kids finished up their swim lessons and we are so proud of the progress that they made. Both are anxious to get started on the next level but Milayla won't be old enough until after her birthday (it's the big transition class to going solo in the pool) so we are holding off most likely until the fall. 

These kiddos worked hard on that kicking though. Atticus is swimming across the pool with just a noodle and Milayla is jumping into the pool and kicking with lots of oomph. 

It's been fun to see the kids tackle this! They both said that they thought it was hard and after the classes were all done they remarked at how much fun hard things can be. Yay for fun times and good lessons. 

I love the array of smiles that they give me.

The kids requested ice cream cones to celebrate. Coconut ice cream for Atticus and home made chocolate banana for Milayla.

So proud of them!

Swimming

Atticus has been getting some prime Daddy-time for several weeks. He has been going to swim lessons on Saturday and they are a BIG hit. He had his last class of this session and so Mommy and Milayla came to watch and take pictures. Boy, has he improved A LOT!

Mommy and her photographer's assistant went a little snap-happy with the camera to try to catch all the smiles and laughter that were going on with all that swimming. 

About to get started...

And JUMP!

Favorite picture of the day

Atticus practiced his frog kick while sitting on the side of the pool before giving it a whirl.

In between laps, the boys goofed off by blowing bubbles in the water.

Then it was time to practice jumping in the pool; something that Atticus certainly did not seem to need practice doing as he was pro!

Then the slide was pulled out before it was time to sing a goodbye song and climb out of the water. Atticus opted to watch - perhaps next time?

Then Atticus pushed his noodle out the side of the pool (with Daddy's help) and climbed out of the pool all by himself.

It was chilly outside of that water, but Atticus still wanted to give Mommy and Milayla a hug before getting showered and dressed.

We are so impressed with the progress that Atticus has made in his swimming ability and confidence in the water. He has learned so many new water skills and he is loving it which means so are we!

We can't wait for the next installment of swim lessons in a couple weeks.

Swimming - Milayla's first time

Well, it took us three attempts but we finally managed to take the kids swimming and...

they hated it.

Perhaps 'hate' is too strong a word. Let's just say that between it being Milayla's first time at the swimming pool and Atticus' first time since Milayla was born, neither of them were too pleased about the idea of sitting in barely warm water and being expected to play. Guess that means we just need to put forth a little more effort to make it swimming regularly.

In any case - we did snap a few photos to commemorate Milayla's first time at the pool. Wish we could have taken her swimming sooner (as 5 months old seems rather old), but better late than never!

pink sea turtles weren't exactly our first choice for a swimsuit, but when shopping in the off season choices  are rather limited...

Milayla sure didn't care what was on the swimsuit though!

Still excited about the adventure ahead...

Not so excited anymore and she's only been through the shower. She has one awesome grip on Daddy's skin too.

Trying to hide in Mommy's arms.... 

In the pool + not crying = best success we had. Only room to improve!