Britt's Summer Swim Meet - The Last Hurrah?

This past weekend we spent most of our time at the pool for Britt's team swim meet. This meant some very early mornings, as we had to arrive by 7:AM. So much for summer sleeping in time, right? But it was a great meet, and Britt's first of the year, since he has been playing basketball. Basketball has really stolen his heart, at this point, so we aren't sure if he will continue to do both, or if we will just stick with basketball for the next couple of years. It is a tough decision we are struggling with. For his part, Britt was ready to switch to basketball, but after this meet, he is having second thoughts. He has made some really good friends, and he swam well at the meet, not to mention the hours of swimming he has put in and all the hard work. He has also really enjoyed being in good shape on the basketball court due to his swimming. Brady and I appreciate the discipline and dedication it takes to be a swimmer. Swimmers are among the most amazing athletes in the world - if you don't believe it, try to do what they do and see how you feel. Swimming isn't for losers, that's for sure. So we are grappling with another big decision. By the end of the summer, we will likely have it figured out, for better or worse.
Britt has always been cute, but he has gotten so handsome in the past few months. Even with braces, he is growing into a fine looking young man. I think it is his happiness and sweet spirit that comes through his face. He is well-liked by his teammates, and always has a special handshake for everyone. This started with Britt and I - it used to be just "our" thing. In fact, my feelings were a little hurt when I realized he was doing it with everyone last year. But I am impressed he can remember all the different ones he has with his many friends, and guess what else? He and I actually have two special handshakes, now. We have our John Cena, and we have a new one called The Donald Trump.
Brailey started her high school dance team practices at the beginning of May, and she had an early practice on Friday morning. So she came to the meet in her dance gear. It gave her some interesting tan lines.
Britt and one of his first real friends from swim, Charlie. Charlie is an amazing swimmer - he is one of the special ones who has that certain something extra, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him at the Olympics, someday. He is in a different group than Britt, so they don't get to see each other much. It was nice to see them catching up.
One of his first races was a doozy - the 400 Freestyle.
In the afternoon, we dropped Brailey off for a swim party of her own with her friends, and then came back to the afternoon session of the meet so I could take pictures of the older kids. I let Britt have a snow cone, which made him very happy.
 Early on Saturday morning. It was quite chilly on Saturday, and didn't warm up until late afternoon. Brrrrrrrrrr!
Britt and one of his new swim friends, Shaymus, who is from Pennsylvania. He and Britt are greeting each other with their special handshake.
This is the first time Britt wrote his races on his arm himself. Bittersweet, for me, as I didn't mind doing it for him, but I do understand he needs to do it himself.
And then, the last morning. I asked Britt to let me get some good pictures of his last day, and so he posed for me. I think this one turned out really well! And below, Brady and Brailey are so funny! They are quite the posers, these two.
Sunday was a much nicer morning and day, weather-wise. We all got some rays!
Everyone has to contribute volunteer hours to the swim team. I am very grateful to have the photography duties. Brady took these two pictures with his phone. I have my camera in my hands in both of them. But I am also finally wearing my super cool fedora, which Brady reminded me to wear. I always forget that I have it, which is a shame, because I absolutely love it!
A few fun moments behind the blocks. Britt was so incredibly tired on Sunday, her forgot to put his team jammers on. Thankfully, he had a spare pair in his swim bag for just such occasions. His legs have grown significantly since he wore these blue ones. I believe they were from third grade, if you can believe it. They worked, though!
And here it is, what may be his last start! We just don't know. If he gives swim team up, he can always come back to it in high school.
He swam a fantastic race! We are so proud of him for giving it his all. He was happy he shaved time off of all his races. It will be interesting to see what his future holds - basketball with a little swimming, or just basketball? Time will tell the story, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.