The third home meet and the girls have really caught on to what happens at a swim meet and were all in. Writing all over your body is the first thing that the team does with all the coaches. First two meets the girls just watched and this week they were all about it. If you ask them they will reply "We love, love, love swimming"!
A lot more firsts happening this summer. This meet they added EK to the relay. These three plus Cal not pictured were so excited!!!
EAT MY BUBBLES!!!!
Where do I start with this one! Post Tuesday swim practice all Matilda could talk about was the race. I was very surprised as up until this point we were just practicing and that was good for her. So I asked the coach if she was signed up and they said she didn't tell them she wanted to race. Ok that is what I thought so I went on. Coach asks the kids if they want to race so it is always their choice, love that. As you can see in this smile though this little swimmer showed up to the meet ready and ready for the race.....
Love our pool friends and all the love these big girls give the little girls.
Sweet Margaret!
Fun swimming against friends each week. London and EK.
She was in the moment the entire time. Seeing this I had to walk over and ask the coach about our options. Of course it was a full heat of 6 and under kids with no open lane. She says let me see what I can do.
Family event!
So they changed things up and added to 6 and under Free events....
These CCMO 6 and under free girls are ready. I am still in my head wondering what will go down but this is where parents step out and go to the other end of the pool.
Quick picture of her in the line up. There is lots of time to think about what you are doing and she never once seemed to think about backing out.
My view of Matilda..... 4 years old and getting ready to swim the entire length of the pool in a swim meet. Swimmers take your mark, GO MATILDA GO!!!! It was an awesome night and moment. The entire team cheering her name and she just kept on going. Wow...I did not see that coming and was so proud of her. I had this rush of thoughts as she lined up and was putting on her goggles....will the goggles not be on right and she throws a fit (that happens in our world!), will the crowd get to her (not typically one that loves the spotlight but with age this is changing!), will she change her mind, once she was swimming, will she stop and start crying ....Nope she swam her race, got out with a hug smile as says... I only touched the rope 2 times, can I race again?
This may sound cheesy but in one night she grew up so much and being there watching her spread her wings and fly was amazing. Hearing the cheers of her name and seeing others come up to her all night and congratulate her and seeing her say thank you and acknowledge them was so awesome. Another moment I don't want to forget is seeing her sister Margaret so proud of her holding Matilda's puppy and saying....Matilda me and puppy watched you the whole time and the running to get Matilda a towel. Made me smile. Being a twin is special but tough (whole different post!) but seeing Margaret recognize the accomplishment and share in her happiness rather than get jealous was just as special. It was a night at the pool we will not forget.
Teach them young to celebrate successes.
This one as well. Swam the last leg of a free relay for a first place ribbon. Then swam her own free event for a second place ribbon. Then waited until the 2nd to last event of the night a Medly Relay, ready to go and the kiddo for fly can't be found so they couldn't swim. Another life lesson learned that night. It takes a team and sometimes things don't go as planned but you walk away with your head high and no tears. Etta Kate also has decided she would learn how to swim butterfly because mom Matilda could have swam the free for me and then we would have had enough people!!!
My life is busy but I learn and am reminded of so much because of these 4 little ladies.
