#46. Swimmin' Along

A little over a month ago, the twins started swim lessons, a Christmas present from Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan.

Meet the next Missy Franklin and Michael Phelps...thanks Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan!!

We attended the Goldfish Swim School in Roscoe Village:

http://goldfishswimschool.com/swimming-lessons/location/roscoe-village-illinois

Clare and Luke had a blast getting comfortable in the water.  

Chris and I were in the water as well

We were so proud of their progress.  Both twins learned how to go under water and 'swim' for up to 5 seconds, 

Luke 'swimming' with his face in the water...he even learned how to anticipate (closing his eyes) going under the water

Luke being assessed by his instructor

                                          

and both can almost float on their backs without any support!

He was so relaxed and buoyant....not bad for a 9-month old!

                                           

Clare was a little uneasy at first, but showed a lot improvement in her lessons

Sadly, we don't have a lot of photos/videos of Clare showing off.  It turns out she was getting a fever the day we took photos.  

Poor Sister was not having a good day...

...so Brother tried to make up for his twin sister

At the lessons a lot of time was spent singing songs, collecting things around the pool, 

Truth be told, this was not their strongest skill...they enjoyed trying to eat the balls more than helping with the collection!!

performing pulling and kicking drills, floating with fun objects, 

Everyone loves fun noodles!!

Splashing water on the duck mats was fun too!

The canoe was a big hit...we were so proud of Clare for holding on with both hands!!

and learning important safety skills.

From here the twins would 'jump' into the pool and quickly grab the side and 'climb' out

Even Grandma Knapp got to attend one of the twins' lessons.

Grandma and the future Olympians

Luke and Papa waiting for the lesson to start

Grandma Knapp had to hold Clare, of course

Unfortunately, the lesson Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan were to attend was canceled due to diarrhea in the pool (thankfully not us!).  So, we threw the twins in the tub (suits and all) for a lesson at home that day.

We didn't have any balls, so we had to improvise.  Swim lessons have made bath time much more fun!

Special thanks to Aunt Rochelle for helping us get set up with our lessons.  We are looking forward to coming back to Goldfish in the fall for more fun!

Thanks Aunt Ro, you're the best!!