Swimming Award Time

We had our awards ceremony for Edgebrook Recreational Swim Team last Tuesday. The kids did fabulous. PB got a medal. Li'l Man received "Fly Boy" award for his love of butterfly which is quite unusual for his age. I was shocked the first time I saw him swim two 25 yard lengths of butterfly in a row. Woah! Where did this five-year-old kid come from? Doesn't he know that our kids are terrible at fly? Guess not! He just seems to have that innate rhythm. You should see him dance!

Li'l Man also received the "Thinking" award for the amount of questions and follow on questions he had for the coach before EACH and EVERY lap. The coaches were soo patient. I know when he's trying to wrap his brain around something how endless the questions are. It can be frustrating for me which is why I was so impressed with the coaching staff when they answered question after question until he really understood, swam a length, then started questioning again. His curiosity and search for precise understanding will help him later in life I am sure.

Eldest won quite a few awards himself. He had actually made "Swimmer of the Week" on his last meet before he broke his wrist. He also was one of a few that got the good sportsmanship award for being observed displaying good sportsmanship to members of our team and others. I think this award made me the proudest. Swimming is, if you will, a gentleman's sport. No hazing. No dufuses! They get weeded out when the coach tells you in detail what sets you will swim in the next hour of practice and then says swim and expects you to remember the order, stroke, and yardage. I certainly think it is a mental challenge specially for the younger ones.

Sometimes, though, the competition takes the fun out of a team spirited sport. Kids can get a bit too competitive with their friends. So I love that Eldest was recognized for his sportsmanship. There are other kids that constantly compare times with each other while they are being staged before a race. Others will rub in how many qualification times they have compared with others for a particular meet. Eldest, with his easy temperament, just takes it all in and roots for his friends, regardless. He doesn't need to compare, although I do think he gets a bit hurt when others do it to him. I love that he doesn't reciprocate!

Our final award was one for the whole family. Given our predilection for breaking arms, it was quite appropriate that this one was called, "Save {Li'l Man} Award." There's been good-heartedly joking for weeks that he's next and we better watch out for Child Protective Services. Ack! A friend suggested we bubble wrap him. I have to admit, I've been more cautious because another child in cast would be ALL I need!

So, that's the wrap up for recreational swimming. King has a short break before we resume year-round practice, so we have a couple weeks free of swimming. It seems so alien and bizarre. We are getting to know our neighborhood again. Slowly cleaning up the carnage from our house and cleaning that fell by the way side. Spending time as family--not at swim meets--but picking fruit and veggie at local farms, window shopping, visiting breweries, making ice cream, and grilling in the backyard. So much free time to finally get stuff done. Who knows, I might be able to finish repainting the exterior of the house I started LAST summer before the fall rains come. Do I look as tired as I feel:

This Weekend at Blue C Sushi at University Village

'lisciously scribed by Scout's Honor @ 12:04 PM