Pool and Field Fun

It's been a summer of sports for Lucie and Ryan. One set of swim lessons ended in July, and a second set at a different pool began in August. This month L & R are taking lessons separately, which we all enjoy. It gives each kid their own experiences with different teachers and classmates, while their sibling gets some alone time with one of us. Their teachers are great, though no one has matched the much loved and still talked about Mr. John of July's lessons. That guy's a legend in our house.

Along with swim, L & R are taking their first soccer class. It's a great class -- no pressure, no rules, no formal games, just lots of fun running around and kicking soccer balls. The only real "rule" they've learned is not to use their hands, though Lucie can sometimes be seen picking up her ball and moving it if it isn't going the direction she wants it to. Early reports from visiting family members indicate Lucie may have inherited my soccer "skills" (involving occasional dandelion picking and pigtail twirling while on the field), though I still think it's too early to tell.

We've learned that for Lucie and Ryan, the best part about running, kicking and floating is the perks that come along with expending all that energy. We were running a few minutes late to soccer class this week, and I encouraged the kids to hurry. "We can't be late, Mommy", Ryan said, "we don't want to miss water break!" They love water break, as shown by the pure joy on their faces running up the hill to their water bottles.

The same is true for swim class. After everyone is done we treat them to a drink out of the vending machine. It's hard to pinpoint what's more thrilling, the Gatorade or the experience of using a vending machine, but both are talked about over and over again. So, not only has it been a summer of sports, but it's also been a summer of good hydration. Gotta love that water break (and of course, the machine that can give one to us).