2014 FINALS

Mia made it to finals this year again!  Traditions run deep and for years the coaches tape encouraging posters to the garage doors of those kids swimming in the league's finals.  Mia was so excited to see her poster taped up this morning. 

She swam with her two relay teams, medley and freestyle.  She is the backstroker on her medley team and she proudly tells everyone it is her best stroke. 

The medley relay team.  How cute are these girls?!

My favorite picture of the day.  This is Mia just before swimming.  She just loves this sport. 

A way to kill time before competing.  Some hand jives. 

Swim Team

This is Luca's first year on the swim team!  He is doing a great job and has learned to backstroke. 

The coaches are amazing and are all former swim team kids, now college kids, most of whom swim competitively.  I give them credit for instilling a love of this amazing sport in my kids. 

Getting ready to dive in

Mia used to dip a finger in the pool before each race, now it's a toe. 

I love these kids.  They have learned to support one another in such a remarkable way.  I watched as Mia and her friend exited the pool after a first place relay arm in arm.  It was a medley relay and Mia said to her friend, "We won because your butterfly is so amazing.  I mean, you are the best butterflier I know." Her little friend, with arm linked tightly to Mia's said, "Thanks!  You know you are the best backstroker.  We couldn't have won without you."  Then ran off giggling to eat more junk food.  (The stained teeth in the picture are courtesy of a ring pop.)

Pretty sweet. 

Practice morning....which is every morning. 

Luca and his buddies.  Notice the ring pops.  Kind of a hot item. 

Horsing around pre race.  I love how the little kids mimic the older kids and tuck their heating cards into their straps.