Summer Champs

Both Aaron and Ethan qualified for summer champs, so as soon as the regular season was over we started a week of focused practice for the two of them. From a learning perspective, it was really cool. Aaron worked several days one on one with a coach on his butterfly stroke. There were less kids and the opportunity to work on refining starts, turns, and stroke skills. They had fun too!

On the last day they had donut relays. They were each given a donut and had to swim the length of the pool keeping the donut dry. Then they had to eat the donut before the next relay swimmer could start. It was hilarious to watch. 

 Yikes! Don't choke Aaron. 

 Finally it was time for our two day champs swimming marathon. All the teams gathered in the big tents seen below. When the swimmers events were called they reported to the clerk of course. Then we went inside to wait for the event. 

We spared Luke and Irina from hanging out in the hot tent, 

and they spent the two days with friends and family. 

You can see how bored Aaron and Ethan look. 

Ethan swam in the 50 meter backstroke, 50 meter freestyle, 

50 meter butterfly and a freestyle relay team.

 Aaron swam in 3 relay medleys (1 butterfly, 2 freestyle). 

He also swam in a 25 meter butterfly and 25 meter freestyle. 

It was two loud, overstimulating, hot, and fabulous days!

Personally, I loved the competitive fever in the pool area 

and got butterflies in my stomach before each of their races. 

They did well and most importantly enjoyed the thrill of competition. 

Pizza dinner after the last day of champs. The coaches presented all the ribbons and medals. 

Shh... don't tell anyone, but this Momma is living 

vicariously through these swimming kids. I love it! :)