Nose Plugs and Paddles

For the past few Sunday evenings, the Asst. Zookeeper and Heathen #1 have loaded whitewater boats into the truck and headed for the local YMCA for the Benscreek Canoe Club's annual roll clinic.  Each week, Heathen #1 counted down the days to the next session in "Days till Christmas!" fashion.  And each week, the daily countdown was accompanied by, "Mom, are you going to come watch?  And bring your camera?"

The first three of four sessions, I couldn't get to due to other engagements.  But week four, I was there.  And a day or so before the last session, Heathen #2 decided that he wanted to go as well and be part of the clinic.  So, last Sunday evening saw the entire Zoo headed to the local YMCA with boats in tow.

The older two Heathens had a great time!  Once he was in the water and realized how easily he would "exit" the boat, Heathen #2 was flipping himself upside down in the water routinely.

Heathen #2 has hold of the handle and takes a BIG breath...

... and over...

...and over...

... he goes!  Once he was upside down, he pulled his handle
to release the spray skirt from the boat and he popped
back to the surface with a BIG grin on his face!

Heathen #1 spent most of his time either upside down in the water or practicing his balance with the front of the boat in the water.

Once upside down, Heathen #1 sets up his roll...

...  and up...

... and up...

... he rolls!

With the front end underwater,
Heathen #1 practices his balance.

Heathen #3 was green with jealousy.  He spent most of the evening in a tub of fins playing with his DS.  He did venture to the poolside once to beg Daddy to get him a boat, too.  The Asst. Zookeeper and I both felt a little sorry for him. 

Heathen #3 in the tub of swim team fins along
the edge of the pool.  He wasn't speaking to me at this point.

"Daddy, can I PLEASE have a boat to?"

Not surprisingly, the search for a Heathen #3 sized boat has started.  Considering that he keeps up with the older two Heathens, neither the Asst. Zookeeper or I was surprised when he asked.

Now the wait begins:  When will it be warm enough for the Heathens to head back to Greenhouse Park and the wave there?  The Heathens will be watching the thermometer anxiously until then!