Meet the next Michael Phelps

We live in Arizona. We have a pool.
We have to live in our pool to survive the Arizona's summers.

Therefore, we decided we would put Scott into swimming classes as soon as possible so he could get used to the water. We didn't know what to expect, but after attending our first class this morning, I am sure we made the right decision.

Jim and I had an utter blast hanging out in the pool with Scott. And Tank did really well for his first water session.

The Little Snappers 1 class, held at the nearby Hubbard Family Swim School, had five kids in it, and I was amazed at how much they teach them at such a young age.

I got in the water with Scott, and the first goal was to simply get him comfortable and acclimated to being in the pool. We just moved back and forth and swished side to side. Then we turned him on his back and got him splashing.

Scott was tired (it was past his naptime) and a little overwhelmed at all the activity, but he started smiling when we moved on to the next exercise -- kicking while swimming on his stomach. Mommy walked backward and sang and blew bubbles which was also very entertaining.

Then, the big time: going under water. We sang, and we counted to three and then we dunked. Scott came up sputtering and looked at me like I was crazy. He whimpered a bit, but stuck with it, going under the water two more times.

Entering the pool with mommy.

Splash, splash splash!!!

Working on our kicks.

One, two, three! Let's get ready to go underwater!

Submerge!

Uh...mommy. Uncool. Not entirely sure I am a fan of that.

Next, it was daddy's turn in the pool. Father and son worked on swimming through the water toward the pool's edge, reaching for toys, standing on the wall, and strengthening legs and lower back by kicking in a boat.

Instructor Lizzie helps Scott kick toward the wall.

Standing and playing with daddy.

Ooh, a ducky! And a pirate!

I can't tell who is having more fun here - Tank or his daddy.

Chillin' in the "boat."

The boat, by the way, was a huge hit. Daddy may have to buy a cruising yacht for our pool this summer.

We ended the 30 minute lesson by helping Scott float on his back. The swim instructor said that eventually Scott will be able to do it on his own.

After a short drive home, Scott was rewarded for his efforts with a nice warm bottle of milk. All that exertion took a lot out of him. He was snoring in daddy's arms before he even finished his lunch.

Can't wait until we are back in the pool next week.