Swimming...and Diving

Last week marked the end of the recreational swim team season. This year in addition to swimming, Eamon and Aine decided they wanted to try out dive team. Four days a week for the past six weeks, Eamon, Aine and I have hung out for two hours at the pool. Twice a week, the whole family has traveled to meets. We didn't miss a day or a meet. They have loved every minute of it.

Now old enough, Benton was very excited to try both teams. After only a few minutes of dive team, Benton decided that he didn't want to do either team! I am not sure what happened, but he chose to stay home with Daddy. Eamon also made a change this year, deciding to skip swim team. He would sit with me poolside waiting for dive team practice. We would talk at length about video games or whatever he wanted to share, while lounging on towels or in camp chairs. Occasionally we would both read.

Aine did well on swim team. Her final meet was full of second and third place ribbons. She swam with stronger kiddos and excelled. Both kiddos loved dive team. Eamon can now do front and back flips as well as some basic dives. He is still working on his pike and tuck dives. Aine has a beautiful back dive as well as front dive. She can do a front flip, but is a bit nervous after seeing a teammate hit his head on the board in a meet warm-up.

Both kiddos enjoy swimming but really want more diving. On our off times, we have visited the public pool to practice a lot. They are impressed that even their mama can do a back dive. Benton enjoys these outings too and can now dive forward and back. We are looking into a club for the kiddos to continue swimming in the off season, but haven't made a decision on it yet. Until then you might not find us at the pool every morning as we had been, but we will be there most afternoons on the diving board.

The Season has Begun

Swim season is in full swing around these parts. Most mornings, we head out to the local public pool for swim team and lessons.  Each of the kiddos is thriving in the water. With temperatures steadily in the mid 100s, the cool aqua water is a respite. The kiddos jump out of the car and into the water eagerly. After the first day Eamon remarked that he had forgotten how much he likes swim team. He is working on improving his form and has gotten quite good at freestyle. Aine is busy working on her entry dive and perfecting her strokes too. She did have one morning when she was ill and missed swim team. I asked if she was truly ill or needed a break. She soon realized sitting in the heat with mama was not as fun as swimming and hasn't needed a break again. While the older two are swimming, Benton patiently awaits his lesson splashing in the shallow water. He has mastered breath control and can swim the width of the pool. Next year all three want to swim together and are even talking about the diving team too.

After a full morning of swimming, we head home for some lunch and cool air conditioning. After some food and a bit of play, talk returns to the pool. In the short time we have lived here, we have already ridden our bikes to meet up with friends at the pool. This is no small task in the heat, but fortunately we live very near the pool. At the end of each week, we also have headed out to swim with more friends, jump off the high diving boards, and zoom down the slides in the zero entry area. If I cannot swim myself during all the pool time, I sit and read or knit. With the smell of chlorine and sunscreen filling the air, I can relax knowing my kiddos are nearby improving their swimming skills and enjoying the season. This is the best way we know to survive the summer in the desert - with lots of water time.

A Wet Weekend

This weekend was spent enjoying the water. Much of our last four days have been spent swimming, with most of that time spent with cousins. After a wonderful birthday celebration for my niece on Saturday, we were joined by my brother and his family again for Memorial Day. The kiddos swam and swam and swam. They have decided the pool is the best place to be. While her aunt was dealing with party prep, Aine helped her young cousin in the pool. We all laughed at the one year old kicking exuberantly while her older cousin supported her in the water. Eamon jumped and swam with another cousin, even carrying her on his shoulders. He later complained about his back and was given the suggestion that perhaps carrying your similarly aged cousin is not a great idea! Benton continued to work on his swimming. He can now cross the width of the pool without any problems. He found a few friends and spent much of his time underwater. Dave and I visited and watch all the antics from the dry pool deck. Perhaps when it gets into the 100s, I will jump in too.

Not that hot

The other morning while Aine was off with her grandmother, the boys decided to test the swimming pool. They both determined that it would be warm enough to swim, since the daytime temperatures are in the 80s. Not so much. The water was cold. Each of them got into the water and then quickly got out. Benton waded on the seat for a bit, but soon grabbed his towel. It was much more fun to launch boats across the water to each other and watch GrandDad help scoot them across the big pond.

The Tadpole

For the past two years, Eamon and Aine have taken swimming lessons during the spring and participated in our city's swim team during the summer. Their strokes have improved greatly. Eamon's coach mentioned that he has a really strong butterfly which is competition worthy. Right now we just want them to have fun and swim. They love it. Aine enjoys sitting with the team and watching the older girls (she is a budding anthropologist). Eamon likes being a jokester with the coaches and other kids. They could not wait for lessons to begin this spring. The only thing about our upcoming trip that worries them is missing swim team. Both are in their element in the water.

Meanwhile, Benton has been sitting and watching. He has helped Dave record times during meets. He sits and plays during practices and lessons. He has been very patient while the other two swim. Last year he did not want to take lessons. Fortunately we are getting smarter and asked first. So he didn't take lessons. He swam a lot in our neighborhood pool. He could almost swim independently by the end of the season. He just needed a little work figuring out breathing.

This year when it was time to register for lessons, I asked if he was interested. He answered with a resounding, "YES"! He wanted to go now. He donned his suit and goggles and was ready. Undeterred by the start of lessons in several weeks, he petitioned for a trip to our pool. He jumped into the water despite the temperature. He wanted to swim. It seems that water is his element too.

So he waited for lessons. When he awoke on the first day of classes, he immediately put on his suit. He was a bit unnerved that we had hours to go before his evening lesson, but a day at the park helped the hours pass. I wasn't sure how he would handle lessons, but I should not have wasted those thoughts. Benton strode over to his instructor and told him he was ready. He was. Benton has spent each lesson with his head under water doing whatever he is told. While other children in his class grip the wall or cry, he jumps, glides and swims, water dripping off his huge smile. He loves it. He cannot wait for our class days. He has joined the upper ranks of swimmer, and he couldn't be happier. Now all three talk of swim team together, and they all smile.

(I had a super cute photo of Benton but it appears to have been lost in my iPhoto struggles. Sigh)

Testing the Water

A true Arizona child, Benton yearns for the days of summer and endless hours of swimming. For the past two months he has donned his swimsuit and rash guard on a regular basis wanting to go to the pool. He insists that it will be warm enough. He assures me that I can just sit on the side while he swims. I don't need to even get wet or swim myself. He tells me he will be fine.

Finally today we ventured out to the pool. While playing outside, Benton rushed into the house. He returned donned in a swimsuit and too small rash guard. We were off to the pool. Gingerly he and his older sister dipped their toes into the water while standing on the steps (Eamon remembered his November dip and refused to participate reminding Aine that the water is very cold). When he tired of that, Benton stood at the side of the pool watching the water shimmer in the February light. I watched him staring at the water, knowing he was going to jump. I was right. Taking a few deep breaths, he jumped right into the pool. It was cold. Really cold. In the frigid water, Benton kicked but couldn't get back to the side. With outstretched arms, Aine and I pulled him to the side. His little lips were quaking, but he had a huge grin. After a long wait, he was back swimming.

End of the Season

Where I've Been

We have been busy. For some reason our summer became a busier time for everyone. I have been driving all over town. The weather is hot and will stay that way for a quite a few more months. I decided that the best strategy for staying cool in temperatures hovering around 110 degrees all summer is to find water.

Eamon and Aine are swimming for the city swim team. They absolutely love it. Weekdays are spent practicing and honing their skills. They are eager to begin the day with the water. While the others swim, Benton enjoys his time with mama without the interruptions of siblings. He did not want to pursue lessons yet. He prefers swimming in our neighborhood pool flinging his body off the side and swimming to whomever will catch him.

All of our Saturdays are spent at swim meets. We moved to the indoor pool this year, and it has really helped. No more cold water in the early mornings to discourage practice. Each of the enjoy the meets. They collect their ribbons with pride. This week Eamon noted his ribbons place was lower than the week prior. We took a look at his times, and he noted that he is swimming faster with each meet. Although they may not place as high, they are swimming personal bests each week. They were both excited about this prospect. 

Waiting for the rankings to be posted.

Dave helps out with timing at the meets. The meets are supported by the help of volunteers. Fortunately he can help as others seem reluctant.

The Season has Begun

The wait has been so long. I wasn't sure they could wait much longer. In the past few weeks, the stirrings began again. "Mama, when can we go to the pool?" Finally this weekend the day came, and our family ushered in the swimming season.

The taller people in the house did not swim, but anyone under 8 years of age did not hesitate. Aine fearlessly jumped right into the water after testing it on the steps.

Eamon was bit more reticent gently easing his body into the water inch by slow inch. Once acclimated, he jumped in making huge splashes.

Benton explored the step area fully submerging his body. He put his head under and blew bubbles. He monkey crawled a bit along the wall as well. He spent a bit of time looking at his big brother and sister. He yearns to join them in the deeper water and probably will by season's end.

Give it a month or so and I think I may join them.

On to the arms

I had a few opportunities to sit and work on my sweater this week. On St. Patrick's Day I spent several hours with friends knitting and laughing while our children played. The conversation was refreshing and the time to knit was appreciated. With ample knitting time, I was able to bind off the body of the sweater and start working on the sleeves. I thought I could knit two at a time, but my circular needle is much too short for such things. Luckily I have a set of double points. Out they came and progress is again being made. 

This sweater seems to be taking a long time. I think it is due to my size. Some days I love being tall, but while knitting I truly wish I were petite and had small feet. The length of the sweater almost undid me. I kept asking anyone who was near if they thought I could stop yet. I am not sure if it is long enough, but I decided to stop and live with it. The length seems fine to me and blocking should solve any issues.

My contribution to Ginny's Yarn Along

I am still reading Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. What can I say, it is 562 pages. The interesting piece is other people's reaction to it. I have been asked by several friends and members of our homeschooling community about the book. Many have read it or one of his other works (specifically Corrections). They either love it or hate it. A few didn't want to finish the book. So far it is enjoyable. I don't have a problem with it, but I could see just stopping. For now, I will continue to bring it with me to the gym and read it as my cool down. It is amazing how much you can read in 15 minutes.

On a side note: The weather here is beautiful. Benton brought me a few flowers today while we waited for Eamon and Aine to finish swimming lessons. They love lessons especially since they have their favorite teacher again. Both had no trouble with the skills after spending several weeks on swim team last summer.

If he could

Benton would look like a raisin all the time.  He loves filling the bathtub to the brim and swimming.  Several times a day he strips down and tells me, "I taking a bawth".  He puts a few toys into the tub and swims away.

They went in

to the pool. 

Aine asked earlier in the week to go swimming.  She would not be deterred.  So, today Eamon, Aine and Benton put on their swimming suits, and Dave and I took them to the pool.   All three waded in on the steps saying it was cold but oh so fun.  Then Aine plunged off the steps and into the water.  Her face froze with an open mouth gasp.  She quickly swam to the side and jumped out.  She said, "I thought I would need to be rescued.  It is so cold!"  Benton stayed on the steps.  Eamon jumped into the water to get one of Benton's shoes.  He only did it once.  The visit to the pool lasted under 20 minutes.  From there we headed to dry land to throw the ball, ride scooters/bikes and play hopscotch.

The high today was 69 degrees (overnight low 55).  Yeah, that water was cold!