Probably our BEST excitement around here, lately, has been Ben's Big Swim Moment. He's had a great "long course" swim season and seems to get faster and faster every time he gets in the pool. Of course, "faster" normally means by 100th of seconds. That's how swimming goes. When you are in the realm of seconds, you are thankful for shaved 100ths.
A few weekends ago, Ben and Carly had a swim meet in Winter Haven, FL. We were all pretty excited about this meet, it's one of our favorite venues (not just because there's a Panera Bread right next to the pool. Ok, maybe just because of Panera. Mama needs coffee.) Actually, we were excited because of our plans to go to Disney afterwards and meet up with friends, stay overnight in a hotel, and go to Hollywood Studios the next day with Uncle Rodney. Good times. Who would have thought it would have ended in such exciting fashion?
Here's Carly. Photo included because this is generally how she rolls at a swim meet. She checks out new suits with the vendors, smiles and waves during every race, dances on the starting blocks, and forgets it's a race. But, you know, she's having a blast and getting it done.
At this meet, it was announced they'd be using a new app you could get on your iphone for free. "Meet mobile." We really loved it! Plus, we got Ryan's mom to sign up for it too, so she could follow along during the day how the kids were doing. It was updated nearly immediately and we had all the official times posted so conveniently. I love technology! Anyways, here's their results from the app.
Then Ben's Big Race. His best race has always been the 50freestyle. I'm not sure why we never really thought about pushing him to get a great time during Long Course. It makes more sense, due to the timing with his birthday. But to be honest, my kids don't really love long course. Anyhow...
Here's the video of said race... Just before it started, while I was waiting on the deck of the pool with my phone, I just started praying and thanking God for Ben. For the cool kid he is... for how far God has brought him with asperger's, for a healthy kid, for the moment he was born and we first met face to face... crazy stuff was going through my mind. I just prayed that God would strengthen him and give him success. I was really just thinking a 100th of a second faster, not what actually happened... Ben's in the 2nd lane from the top... blue hat. And I don't know. Watch to the end. It's a beautiful finish. That's Ben slamming into the wall first.
He got 6th place overall, which is so awesome! (there were 8 heats... 52 swimmers ages 13-14 boys) and most importantly, he got a Junior Olympics qualifying time!! And he won't "age up", which means he will still be 14 when the championship meet occurs this summer. And he will be able to compete. July 18-21 to be exact! In Gainesville. The time cut is 28.89 and he finished with a 28.08. That's not even a "little" bit of making it, that's really really making it. He was so happy and so proud of himself. He has worked so hard, and it was so great to see that hard work pay off like this, in a tangible way he can actually see and appreciate. And it's made SUCH a difference in his swimming already! He suddenly really really takes practice seriously. He asked to reschedule his solo trip to Michigan to fall after the championship meet so he wouldn't miss time with his coach. We got to spend a lot of time thanking God for choosing this for Ben. It's fun:)
And Carly's results... I love this kid. She just has a great personality and attitude about everything. She was beyond excited for her brother! Not anything she wants for herself, mind you, but super fun for her brother! HA! I love that our kids are proud of each other and cheer each other on. And it's really fun to see where they excel.
Proud Mama:)
And lest we forget...
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