Swimming - Summer 2013

If there was one word I could use to sum up last summer, it would definitely be "swimming". Both girls did A LOT of swimming!

This was Aubrey's first year on the Shafter Stingrays swim team, and we had a wonderful experience! When the season started in April, Aubrey couldn't even make it all the way across the pool without panicking and holding on to the wall. They actually moved her down to Bubblers for a week until a very patient Coach Cam got into the water with her and helped build her confidence. For the first few weeks, she did many of her practice laps with the kick board, but eventually she built up her strength. Back stroke was always her strongest stroke and though she nearly sunk in her first freestyle race, she rocked her first back stroke race and got her first ribbon for 8th place! That ribbon inspired her to work harder and swim faster! Along the way, she earned many more ribbons and medals. She proudly ended the season with a first place medal for backstroke and a Rookie of the Year trophy! More than the awards, it was a great summer of bonding with our dear friends the LaGores and of Aubrey learning to believe in herself!

^^Aubrey's first EVER backstroke race where she won her 8th place ribbon

Her first ribbon!! 8th place in backstroke

Swim team buddies- Charleigh and Aubrey

Proud Stingray daddy and his girls

First medal- third place at the meet hosted by the Stingrays

A familiar sight to all swim team families

Swimmer take your mark...

^^This was a mid season freestyle race! Go Aubs!!

A strong freestyle by the end of the season!

At Aubrey's last race of the season, cousin Zoe made signs to cheer her on. This is the race where she won her first place medal.

Coach Cam, Coach Heidi and Coach Zach with Aubrey at a morning practice (she looks tired)

Juliet also did a lot of swimming last summer- in the little pool at swim team practice, at Papa Cc's house, and at swim lessons. She had a wonderful swim instructor named Mr. Ricky who had a special little bond with Juliet! She quickly learned new skills and moved up to Sharkies where she is trying to learn side breaths. She can make it across the pool as long as she can roll over and take a breath.
Sometimes her bravery can be frightening, but we sure are proud of this little fish. We are hoping she can join the Stingrays next summer.

Moving up from Star Fishies to Sea Horsies....she kept moving up to Sharkies!

A happy girl in the baby pool at swim team.

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