Swimming Lessons

Last night the boys had their very first swimming lesson at The Rivi with “Ed.” I forgot my camera, so I am hoping to capture this little event in words. I roped Pam into going with us because each child needs an adult in the water with him/her. There were only two other kids, so it was a great little group!

Now, Ed…..how do I explain the phenomenon known as “Ed?” He is best described as a surfer dude who somehow got stuck in “The Middle.”—ie. Indiana. He has the swimming abilities/knowledge/passion of Michael Phelps, and the energy/wackiness (for lack of a better word) of a three-year old. The man is a riot and a half, and he was incredible with the boys. As expected, Alex was much more reserved than Noah about trying new things, but by the end, BOTH boys were independently swimming around on noodles (those floating things—not the pasta)!!!!!

Now, for Noah…oh Noah. Ed fell in LOVE with Noah, and I think the feeling was mutual for Noah. Ed used Noah for every demonstration because Noah kept screaming, “I want more!!!!” In less than 30 minutes, Noah learned to “hand walk” in the pool along the edge by grapping the side, climb up the ladder, jump back in and swim away on a noodle! There was much “woohoo-ing between Noah and Ed, several high-fives and lots of “Dude, you rock!!!!” I think Noah was happiest, however, when Ed threw….and I DO mean THREW my little man several feet above the pool, let him land in the water, go under and then pop up!!! The whole time, Alex was looking at the two of them like they had totally lost it.

Ed was a little calmer with Alex and tried to let his excitement rub off on him, but Alex was not ready to go that far. Ed was great with Alex too—very patient and encouraging. By the end of the night, Ed was calling Alex “Big Al”—a name that, so far, only Ms. Amy was allowed to call him. But, I think if Ms. Amy met Ed, she wouldn’t mind!!!!

We cannot wait until next week!!!!!