Little Fish

Our kids have been little fish since they were very small. Not one of them has ever been afraid of water. Macie was a water bug from the beginning and learned to swim in the deep water without flotation from the time she was 4. Chase was 3 and Owen was 2!! At this rate, Avery should be swimming by the end of the summer!!:)

Macie and Chase did the swim team last year. It came easier for Chase because he was in the younger age bracket with kids who were also first time swim teamers. Macie, who is used to succeeding at everything, was humbled when Chase began placing in meets and she did not. By the end of the season she had improved enough that she also began receiving ribbons. More importantly though, she handled it with grace and was able to be happy for her brothers' success. I'm not sure Chase would have been as graceful about it had it been the other way around.

Since they enjoyed it so much, we took lessons all winter to improve their strokes. Owen was in the highest level he can be in until he is 6. Chase was a Minnow which requires all lap swimming of back, breast and free. Macie was in the pre-competetive swim team class.

Monday was our first swim meet of the season. Owen is on the team this year. He is by far the youngest swimmer at 4 years old(5 next month!). He is swimming in the 6 and under group. They are not penalized for their strokes. As long as they can swim 25 yards safely across the pool, they can compete. Once you get to the 7/8 or 9/10 level, you are judged on your strokes, kicks, proper turns, touches etc...

I guess our lessons paid off because Macie took 2nd in the medley relay where she swam backstroke and 4th in the free relay. Chase took 3rd in the 25 backstroke, 1st in the free relay and 1st in the medley relay where he also swam backstroke. Macie and Chase also swam the 25 butterfly. A new stroke for both of them. Owen swam 2 events, the 25 backstroke and the 25 free. He struggled with the backstroke but made it across the pool. He did great in the 25 free and swam with all his heart. He made it the entire way without stopping or holding on! I think the biggest feat was that he didn't pee while he was on the block! He drank several waters while waiting for his turn and was dancing around like a crazy man before he dove in! It was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

Even though swim meets are longer than any sporting event known to man, I am glad they chose to do it. It is so good for their bodies and their minds. It is a competitive sport for the individual as well as the team. Also, a great way to learn sportsmanship and teamwork. Bottom line though, they had fun.

ps-thanks to mimi and pop for enduring the meet with us. i know it meant a lot to the kids to have you cheering them on.