Swim Lessons

One of Ry's birthday presents was swim lessons. He has been wanting to "go swimming" like the big boys and I told him he needed to learn first. Well I actually didn't want Big Ry to teach him because he can be a little intense sometimes. So we signed him up for classes through the city of Kirkland. They began back in June, but we never seemed to remember to bring a camera to any of the classes. Yesterday was his last class and I wanted to make sure we got some shots so we can document this momentous occasion for him.

This is Ry on our way to class.

Here, he is working on his crawl stroke. Check out those strong kicking legs!! He got distracted because he saw me with the camera. But he is pretty good on this stroke and swimming under water. Working on life jacket safety. He was really comfortable in it and jumped right in!

Then it was time to work on his back stroke. He does well with his hands above his head like a torpedo, but still needs assistance.
And back to the crawl stroke. He seemed to always revert back to this when he got a little uncomfortable.

The last day was also "Parent Participation" day. So big Ry got to help with the teaching that day. He did a good job. I didn't hear him yell once at little Ry. A scowl here and there...but he did really well! Both Ryans did!!

Of course Big Ry couldn't resist the lure of the basketball hoop... B-ball is in his blood!

Ry had a total of 18 30 minute classes over 4 weeks. He had a great time and I found it reinforced safety around water and gave kids confidence in what their bodies can do. Its time to say good bye to swim classes for now. Next summer he'll take some more and work on his technique. Mr. Phelps... look out. Your bazillion gold medals are no match for this guy!

Till later... Nic