States

The week after Regionals was States.  We took Joel and Norah out of school Friday so we could all go watch.  I never went to states when I was in high school.  And since we went up the night before we ended up being chaperones for the team.  The coach convinced the school to take them up the night before.  Always in the past they just get up super early and go up for the day. They needed a male chaperone since the coach is female in order to go. All Brent had to do was make sure all the boys were in their rooms at curfew. A few boys that didn't make states convinced the coach to have them come along as "alternates." And it turned out that was a good thing. The day they were leaving, the fastest boy on the team came down with Covid.  One of the replacements in the relay had never swum on a team before and this year made states by default.  Not a bad year for swimming.  

Colin had a lot of fun. The relays swam well but didnt make finals. So he got to relax and just enjoy the rest of the night.  Two swimmers on our team made finals in individual events. 

And Uncle David came to watch! Its always so good to see him! 

Colin was very proud of his athlete pass.

We did not stay for finals. We left and came home. We stopped for lunch in Williamsburg and sent colin this picture.  He and I have been going to this restaurant after his Williamsburg swim meets.  He knew exactly where we were by the picture. It was the first time Brent had been. 

Then since we were 5 minutes away stopped by and saw Uncle Jeff at his store. We sent a text to the family saying we've seen 2/3 brothers today when should we expect to see Dad.

And to finish the night we facetimed Dad so technically we did see all three brothers in one day. 

 Colin got back really late that night. The school paid for a hotel for the team but wouldn't give them a charter bus so the poor coach had to drive the activity bus that can only go 55mph.  He enjoyed the entire experience.  It was a great first year swimming with high school and he made a lot of friends.  Colin saw some fast swimmers and has even bigger goals for next year. I keep reminding him that a year ago he had just recovered from his tongue surgery only to break his arm.  He could barely walk around our small neighborhood.  He has come a long way in a year. And I think that's why we made a big deal of going to states and all taking off school/work to go watch.  We are just going to enjoy the moments that come.