Little Gators

For several summers now, we have been trying to persuade the Little Nguyens to join the swim team at our pool. They are both strong swimmers, and like most kids, they love spending their summers in the water at our neighborhood pool. But, for some reason, they have never wanted to officially "join the team." A little carb-loading before the medley relay...

Well, a few weeks back I went to sign them up for one-on-one swim lessons which some of our swim team coaches do. The Little Nguyens have had them for the past few summers, and while they are great lessons, 4 half-hour one-on-ones cost $50! After investigating swim team a bit more, I realized I could spend those $50 for an entire summer of swim team. And those practices are just like lessons, with several coaches working with a small group of swimmers. After talking it over with Chi, we decided to apply a little "pressure" and take the plunge. And we were so glad we did -- after the first team practice, they were hooked (line and sinker....)!

Psyching himself up for the backstroke event Goggles on and ready to swim! "Swimmers, take your mark!"A strong start in his best event.

The First Little Nguyen is a strong backstroker. This was a first-heat event for him last night, and he swam as if he had been doing this for years. There was no sign of nervousness at all, just a desire to compete! He was proud of his efforts, emerging from the water with a big grin and a ton of confidence, asking, "What place did I get?" He took 3rd place -- not bad for first heat and his first race ever! We can't wait to see how his skills develop over the course of the summer. He is very excited and feels good about earning some points to help his team along. Afterwards, he had the time of his little 8-year old life, hanging with his peeps!

The Second Little Nguyen, following the leader to his freestyle event.

Patiently waiting...

My little boy, ready to take a big dive! Whew! Not bad for his first race...but hitching a ride from a pretty girl is much better!
While the Second Little Nguyen can swim the length of the pool on his own, for these events there are "kid catchers" halfway across each lane to help the novice swimmers along. Many of the kids in his age group refuse the help, but after his 50M freestyle event, he was quite happy to hitch a ride when pretty Caroline offered him one! Vintage Thomas! He took 2nd in his heat and earned an icepop and a rainbow ribbon. He was as happy as a clam! We are so proud of how hard he swam and that he felt confident in what he could do in the water.

Waiting for the medley relay to begin. I see me in this picture.Go, Gators!

The First Little Nguyen also swam two relays: the medley relay and the free relay. In the medley, he again swam backstroke, smoked the competitors in his leg of the race (sorry, a little mommy pride there!) and helped his relay team to a 2nd place finish. The relays are such great events because the kids have to rely on and encourage each other -- in other words Gator Teamwork!

Numbered and marked...Go Gators!

We are so glad they are having fun with swim team. It's a huge committment, with practices every day and swim meets every Tuesday night (and with the thunder delays last night, it was 10 PM!), and we are trying not to let it overtake our lives. As long as the Little Nguyens have fun swimming, get some exercise, take in a little healthy competition, and practice good sportsmanship, we are happy Gator Parents!

Next up tomorrow: Doughnuts and Ribbons!