Swimming - Week Two

The boys finished their second week of swim lessons today. They improved so much over the two weeks! We are excited to keep practicing at our pool this summer.

Happy Father's Day!

On Friday, Phil took a half day so he could join us at Binder Park Zoo. It was a beautiful afternoon to be at the zoo. The boys spent a lot of time in the children's area, rode the train and carousel, and fed the giraffes. The animals were all pretty active. When we got home, we grilled dinner and ate outside. Then we started a fire and made s'mores with some neighbors. 

On Saturday, we took the boys to the library to redeem some of their summer reading points and to check out new books. After lunch, we went to the pool for a little bit. Then we met up with a bunch of friends at the Kalamazoo Growlers game. It was West Portage Little League night so we saw a lot of familiar faces. William was pretty into the game and enjoyed following the runs/hits on the scoreboard. They had a lot of fun games and activities for kids.    The kids got to go out on the field for the National Anthem and also run the bases during the 7th inning stretch.  And Phil even caught a foul ball (off a bounce). The game ended up tied and went to extra innings. We stayed for the 10th inning but then decided to head home. It was getting late! 

For Father's Day, we went to the McDonalds with the big play area (Phil's choice). After lunch, we went to the nature center and hiked the Bluebird Trail (total of almost 4 miles). The boys both did great! After the hike, we went to Dairy Queen for an afternoon treat. 

West Portage Little League replaced a bunch of their manual pitching machines and we were able to buy one of the older ones at a good price. William has been having fun hitting off the machine. It is very consistent in where it pitches the ball so he is able to get into a good groove. He is probably hitting close to 80% of the pitches now.

Crazy boys!

Engrossed in the game

Foul Ball

Final Baseball Game

The Orange Fireballs played their last game of the season tonight. They had a great game! We were so glad the weather cooperated and we were not rained out. Our last three games had been cancelled so we were happy they got to play again one last time and have their end of season party. William did not strike out at all during the game. A few weeks ago, we got him a new bat but this was the first time he was able to use it in an actual game. When he choked up on the bat he actually hit the ball in the air and not directly to first base. 

After the game, the team gathered at the pavilion for a little award ceremony and cake. Coach Will said something nice about each player and what they contributed to the team. The boys received a very nice trophy and they were all so proud and excited. Even the little siblings got "Little Fireball" trophies for their support throughout the season.

After all the swimming he did today (lessons and laps with Grandpa), Alex was completely wiped out at the game. He fell asleep on the grass.  Then we were able to transition him to Grandpa's lap so he didn't end up covered with bug bites.  He did wake up in time for cake and trophies!

Alex and Austin

Parent Day at Swim Lessons

Today we were able to sit in on William and Alex's swim lessons. It was so much fun to see what went on during class and how much the boys have improved!  

"Hot Cocoa" (warm water from the jets) being poured to warm them up

Swimming in the rain with Grandpa

Taking a break from swimming laps with Grandpa

Swimming Lessons Seem to be Paying Off!

After swim lessons today, we met up with some friends at the Applegate pool. William really wanted to show off how he was able to dive down under water to pick up a ring. After a few failed attempts (his head still did go all the way under) he was able to reach the ring. Then he started to get braver and would stay under water longer. And finally, he started kicking and swimming. We are very proud of his progress!

That face!

Ridiculous

Spider Man/Human Pretzel

Last Friday, the boys and I went to Airway Lanes to take advantage of the "Kids Bowl Free" program. It was also pouring out, so it was a good indoor activity. The boys started off with the ramp but both decided to start bowling "the correct way." 

This week, the boys are taking swim lessons in the morning. Right now, they are spending a lot of the class going under water for rings, practicing blowing bubbles, etc. We have lessons next week as well and I am hoping that William may be able to swim a little by the end. After our lesson yesterday, we went to the neighborhood pool. Three of Will's friends were there and two of them didn't need water wings. We are hoping some positive peer pressure will motivate him to learn to swim. 

Last night we also had hockey/skating. William is still doing really well. They are practicing "hockey stops" and also skating forward quickly, pivoting on the blades, and then skating backwards right away. Alex showed a lot of improvement from last week. He still fell a fair amount but could stay on his skates for extended periods. He could skate/walk decent distances and could do little jumps without falling down. He still really likes it.

He fell asleep with just a couple minutes left in the Stanley Cup Finals

Hanging out at the pool

Neighborhood Buddies

A boy and his hockey bag

Go Alex!