Swim Team Rookie Camp

Both of kids started rookie camp for summer swim team at the start of the week.  We had been prepping Gavin for a couple weeks in hopes that swim team would be a great experience for him.

 

Emma was not required to participate in rookie camp, but we let her so she could provide comfort to her brother and get some extra practice in since we were going to be at the pool.  She was a little Momma to Gavin all week, making sure he had his kickboard, goggles and got to the appropriate swim group. 

 

She was so encouraging to him and there were a few times I had to tell her he was fine and to just leave him alone (ha).  Gavin was so eager to get in the water and get started.  Day 1 did not go so well, but we just encouraged him to keep going back.

Rookie camp is designed for first time swim team kids, but it does not spend a large amount of time teaching kids to swim.  Here are all the non swimmers listening to the coaches telling them how the week would go.  Um, Gavin took his goggles off and was like, "uh not me!"

Day 2 was much better and he began kicking, going under water and moving his arms in a swimming motion.  I thought this was going to be the summer that we would be cheering both of our kiddos on poolside.

Gavin continued to work with Coach John and do what he was expected to do at rookie camp.  By day 4 something scared him and he had made up his mind that he was not going to participate any longer.  When this kid makes up his mind he is done, he is done and there is NOTHING that can convince him otherwise (not even ice cream).

By Day 5 all the kids were required to swim 25 yards (length of the pool) unassisted to be able to move onto swim team.  Gavin was not able to do it and honestly he wasn't even interested.  I am not one to force my kids to do anything, only to finish what they started so we were PROUD that he completed rookie camp.  Gavin loves the water, but he likes to play it safe. 

Our goal is to get him some private swim lessons with a swim coach before next season, so he can join his sister next summer on swim team.  Way to go Gavin, we are so proud of your for trying big boy. 

So many...

For all the things that are WRONG in this world...

 

There are so many things that are RIGHT!

Steamboat ~ Heaven on Earth

We were blessed to spend a week in Steamboat, Colorado with family this Spring Break.  It was hard to leave this place once we finally got there and got settled in for the week.  I think God gave us a glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.

We flew into Hayden, Steamboat's local airport that only operates during ski season.  It was the tiniest airport I have ever seen, only 1 flight in and 1 flight out at a time (made it super convenient with the kiddos).  Aunt Debbie and Marla picked us up from the airport and we were so happy to see them both.

The picture above was our home away from home for the week and it was beautiful, cozy and filled with love.  This is our cousin's second home and I can understand why they struggle to leave it after ski season.   

Our view from the balcony all week long, imagine waking up to this everyday.  This piece of property originally belonged to an Olympic skier 50 years ago when Steamboat was established.  The city allowed him to pick any piece of property he wanted to build on and he chose this view of the mountain.  His original home is now the shell of one of Dwain and Marla's garages, so the history still exist on their property.  The location is perfect and allows you to walk many places, catch a bus to town or the ski base.  Steamboat is known for their hot air balloon festival in the summertime, we got to see one go right in front of the house while we were there.   

My two very favorite boys in Steamboat and all the world.   It actually snowed 4/7 days we were there and I was so excited the kids got to see the flakes falling.  Making our way to ride the Gondola to the top of this little ski town which is home to 10,000 people. 

Me and my girl.  I had no clue before we headed out how difficult it is to capture good pictures in the snow unless you really know what you are doing, unfortunately my self taught Mommy photo skills didn't pass the test (still so thankful for what we were able to capture).

The day we arrived we spent 4 hours at Gondola Square signing our waivers, getting enrolled in ski school, purchasing lift tickets and getting fitted for our gear.  I will admit after a long day traveling we had to do alot of bribing to get one little boy to cooperate, especially when he had to put the boots and helmet on.

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.

Don't walk behind me I may not lead.

 Just walk beside me and be my friend."

~Albert Camus~



I love these kiddos so much that it hurts, something only a Mommy can understand.   I love doing life with them and I love watching them experience so many new advenutres together.  These are the days and they are going by way too fast.  So thankful they are such troopers and great vacationers.

I could have sat and people watched all day long. I loved the shops, the skis outside every restaurant/store and the carefree life people were living. The base was filled with locals that ski daily, families that ski yearly and those that were experiencing a ski vacation for the first time (us!).

We had an amazing time in Steamboat, so much more to post.  We will always be thankful for our time with extended family playing, laughing, staying up late and making memories that will last a lifetime.