The boys at their first swim meet earlier this summer. Jack was so proud to finally get to do something that Sam does, especially swim team. On the first day of practice, we had not planned to let Jack participate this year because he was only 5 and not really a "swimmer" yet. But on the first day of practice, we said, hey why not? and after talking with the coaches, they felt he would do well.The first meet was pretty tough. Sam did just as well as he did last summer (even better!) but Jack had to stop on the ropes several times to make it across the pool. He was quite discouraged, but we weren't. Just as Sam had done last summer, I was convinced that he would be swimming the length of the pool after the next two meets. And sure enough, by the third/fourth meet, he was making it across the pool with no problem---even trying the back and butterfly strokes! What a great way to teach kids to swim---they have practice every morning for two hours (6 weeks), and by the end are GREAT swimmers!
Sam had to do his first IM (Individual Medley) this year---all four strokes, meaning four laps down and back. He was crying by the end and I felt so sorry for him! The coaches have to put someone in the event and it was him---but by the end of summer, it was no big deal.
Sam is especially good at the butterfly and Jack excels with the freestyle---you can imagine how they were glued to the swimming events when we watched the summer Olympics :-).
Lydia is prepping for swim team!
Our weekend in St. Louis at the City Museum---what a GREAT place (for kids and adults!)
Lydia in the ball pit with Ben.