Finally, the last meet of the year.
The one we've been waiting for.
The grand finale, big show, last call.
Well, really, just one more meet!
Grammy and I packed up the girls and headed
to Minneapolis for the 2012 Midwest Regional Championships.
What a huge honor that both girls qualified.
I'll admit, sometimes I forget that. I forget that it's hard to do.
Not everyone makes the cut, not everyone is brave enough to do it.
Just making it is an accomplishment on its own.
So, I shouldn't care how they do, right?!?
Well, I'm still working on that!
But, besides my expectations, everyone did great
and more importantly had a great time!
Claire qualified in 6 individual events this year!!
Ella qualified in 1, very impressive for a 7 year old!
They both swam in a relay as well.
Both did great!
Claire got personal best times in 2 events
and some okay and what happened times in a couple others.
All rounded out, not a bad showing!
Ella swam without getting disqualified in the
University of Minnesota pool at a high-competition meet.
That is success in itself!!
I had a painful growing experience that my expectations
are my problem and should be no one else's problem.
I was reminded of why we swim; because it's fun, we
love it, and it's a great sport to be a part of.
In the end, we all walked away from the weekend
with good memories and goals for next year.
The best part: Walnut Creek Dolphins walked away
the the title of 2012 Midwest Champions!!
and the Spirit Award for good sportsmanship.
I could not be prouder of this team and my girls!!!
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| WC Dolphins! |
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| My sweet Claire bear |
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| Relay team getting a pep talk from Coach Kris |
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| Claire getting ready for her leg of the relay. She got her best time on her split! |
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| She shot off the block with perfect timing! |
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| Coach Kris is the best! |
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| Claire qualified in the 100 IM, 200 IM, 50 Breast, 100 Breast 50 Back and 100 Back. Busy girl! |
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| Ella and Avery enjoying some chocolate muffins for breakfast. Avery was amazing. She cheered the team on for 2 straight days and was so good. That girl is awesome! |
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| Ella's turn came on Day 2. Coach Kim giving her a pep talk before she takes off for her leg of the relay. |
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| Get ready Ella ~ |
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| Free is not Ella's favorite stroke, but she did great! |
We were very lucky to have a very special treat waiting
for us in Minnesota. Aunt Rachel and Uncle Dean welcomed
our new baby cousin, Arwyn, just days before the meet.
We were so lucky to get to spend some time with them Saturday
evening. She is beautiful and mom, dad, and Sophie seemed
very happy, if not tired! : )
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| Me and my new adorable niece! |
Between all the swimming and baby snuggling, we did manage
to have some fun at the waterpark!
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| Ella went down the waterslide! That's a big deal! |
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| Claire loves the waterslide!! |
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| Aves loved the water sprayer! |
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| We spent a lot of time here ~ |
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| She would make it spray, then jump down and hide. Silly Avery! |
Thanks to Grammy for coming with us.
Thanks to all the great friends that were there
to cheer all of our swimmers on.
Thanks to my amazing sister-in-law and brother
who graciously had the baby in time for us to meet her!
I love swimming. I love the meets, the team,
everything about it. But, I will admit, I'm ready for a break!
We're off to the softball fields. See the pool again in June!
