State report

Once again we had a fantastic state meet. The kids all had best times in every swim and they looked great against the competition. Our team came in third over all and we won the coveted Spirit Award! (This isn't the entire team- just those unlucky enough to stay an hour after the 6th session) Coach is holding Tommy, Julie is up front, Megan is holding the banner in the blue top, Joey is in the Superman shirt.

My sister, Maggie, was the star. She was the high point winner in her age group with over 130 points! Her best friend came in second which was great for our team points. Maggie swam 10 events, the limit, and almost broke the state record in the 400 IM smashing the competition! It was so very exciting to watch! it's so cool to know she is the fastest 13-14 year old in the entire state!

By the morning of the third day my Punkin was exhausted. She is such a pleasant child when she is overtired. uh huh.

Her relay was the first event of the last day. The team gets double points for relays. There are kids that just come to state to swim relays. So if J doesn't swim it the team losing huge points and three other kids can't swim at all. She didn't have a choice, like it or not, she was swimming in the relay.

Me: Julie lets put on your cap.

J: NO! (Pout)

Daddy puts on the cap

J: I'm NOT wearing a cap!

Me: Lets get in position.

J: NO! I'm NOT swimming! (Runs off crying)

Grandma and daddy walk her to the edge of the pool. (Notice the cap is gone but the attitude remains)

J: I'm NOT swimming!

Daddy: Here comes Gracie get in the water.

J: NO! I'M NOT SWIMMING!

Daddy lifts J into the pool.

Grandma: Hold on to the side, don't let go! (The team is DQ'd if they let go of the edge before the first swimmer touches the wall)

J: I'm NOT Swimming!

Grandma: Keep holding on!

J: I'm NOT swimming.

Grandma: Ready, GO!

Julie swam the 50 meters 19 seconds faster than her best time. She went 12 strokes before she took a breath and then swam the rest of the way breathing only after every 6th stroke. She raced against 12 year old and was at their level. It was amazing! I told her we are going to make her angry before all her races next year! :)

Thank goodness she took a nap before the next race! She was in a much better mood and still swam great!