The end of February always signifies Championship meet time for swimming. This year Daniel's conference championship meet was held in Richmond, Va.
The day before we were to leave, all of the weather forecasters were forecasting a "snowpocalypse". John and I decided to leave a day early and beat the impending "blizzard". While our town didn't get but about one-half of what was forecast, it still would have been difficult to get to the meet with the way our city takes forever to clear roads of snow.
You would expect the kids to be bummed about missing a good snow, but they really seemed just as content to be able to swim in the hotel pool.
We did have fun outside of the average 8 hours a day we spent at the pool. We visited the Confederate White House, in downtown Richmond.
They would not allow photography inside the house, but it was extremely interesting. We learned many new facts about the lives of Jefferson Davis and his family. Even the little ones were engrossed and learned some new things.
Of course, the real reason we were there to see and encourage this young man as he pursued his dream.
Seventh one, parading in for 100 breast finals.(definitely has his "game face" on)
Abbey and Elijah were so proud of their "sister hawk" and "brother hawk" shirts.
As I mentioned, we spent the good part of each of the 4 days at the pool. All of that time sitting and waiting can take a toll on a person…
To pass the time we took lots of "selfies"
and group shots..
Showing off their cheering paraphernalia.
Of course, this guy was the reason we sat for hours…
His dad and I think he's pretty special
As for the meet, it was a bit disappointing all around. Daniel, while getting personal best times, didn't place as high as he had expected he would. The biggest bummer was that UNCW did not win the meet. The 13 year streak was broken! That hurt all around…the swimmers, the parents and the coaches all felt the sting of defeat. But, in any sport losing is just as much a part as winning. It's just that winning is sooo much more fun. Losing is character building, though. If you never lose, you could have a hard time really appreciating the win.
At this writing, Daniel and his teammates are already back in the pool, dreaming of reclaiming what was lost this year. When that time comes, Daniel's mini-cheering section will be there in force!
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