Wade is finally old enough for swim team! And by finally I mean, he's been a fish since he was one year old and we spend almost every day April to September swimming somewhere. Pools, lakes, oceans....this kid loves to swim. So I was excited he would have the opportunity to put that joy into a sport. He may be a great swimmer, but he's a beginner in competition, sportsmanship, team camaraderie, and the general ability to not freak out when he doesn't get his way (aka: LOSING). I was less excited about getting up and out of the house every week day for practice, but I'm a sacrificing mom like that :)
We don't have a neighborhood swim team of our own, so we were lucky enough to swim with Wyatt and the Jackson Creek Jaws. There is no better example to follow than Wyatt. He is truly the caring team player, took Wade under his wing, and helped him ease into the swim team world.
Introductions at the first practice...
Wade & Wyatt both swim in the 6 & Under group. This was good and bad, depending on the race. Sometimes they were competing against each other (hard for Wade to lose to his cousin, even if it was close). But the relays they competed together and celebrated together.
Their first relay, they got second place...
The sisters were on hand to cheer the brothers on!
Nonna too!
Getting those first ribbons was so exciting! His first race in 25 Freestyle (in the 2nd heat), he got 1st Place. What an ego boost for our swimmer!
Bree looking oh-so-stylish watching Wade practice every morning...
At the last meet, Wade & Wyatt had our ENTIRE extended family there to cheer them on. Talk about a cheering section!!!
There was a major meltdown by Wade when Wyatt beat him by a fingertip in the 25 Free, but we rallied and got back on track with the relay
Wade loved Coach George! In those first meets, Wade was extremely nervous to step up on the block, with all the noise and cheering, and go for it. Nothing I said or did helped him, but Coach George gave him the confidence to do it. He idolized Coach George! And at this meet, he wanted to be Coach George :)
He stole George's sunglasses & clipboard and mimicked everything George did. Another great role model for our learning boy!
At the end of the season, Wade received a medal for his participation on the team. This was his first medal and was THRILLED to get his very own medal just like Daddy's. Beau has his medal collection in the basement and Wade had now started one in his own room.
Well done WADE! We are so proud of you!
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