2011 is the Year of the Fish.
The Bowling children can now be brought to the pool without a parent in the water with them, and possibly without a parent paying full attention to them (not that such would occur; especially not in the world of the Kindle, the iTouch or the other poolside mom-talks).
A year of freedom, of being able to swim when you want to, and take a break when you don't, without fear of impending death as soon as you take your eyes off of the brood.
Emily and Louise participated in Swim Team, learned to dive, and are experimenting with gill-transference.
Garrett has added 'ability to swim' to his historical 'not afraid to swim'.
Eliza has bowed to sibling peer-pressure, let go of the side of the pool, and found that she can flounder with the best of them.
Proud parents we are. And this pride has been deepened by Garrett's latest show of aquatic skillz. While holding his breath and going underwater, in the deep end, he sinks to the bottom of the pool, suctions his feet to the pool floor, raises his arms in the air, and gives us all the Jazz Hands. Words do not translate the joyful pride G-man has in this feat. He is already discussing his next move, which apparently he is practicing in his spare time and plans on unveiling any day now.
We'll keep you informed of its development, as well as his.