The Last Splash.

Wow - this week has been SO busy. Next week doesn't look much better. But I had to take a moment to blog about the boy. This week was his school's swim meet. The team has practiced twice a week since the beginning of school. This meet was for the Mississippi Private School Association and 17 schools participated. Hayden's school ranked 7th! YEAH!!!!!

It is hard to believe that just last year Hayden couldn't swim. When he joined our neighborhood swim team last summer he couldn't swim the length of the pool. He would swim a little, grab the rope, rest, swim a little more and repeat the process. Funny how fast things change. Coach Matthew, pictured here with Hayden (photo 1,) gave Hayden his very first swim lesson when he was four. Matthew is also the man who taught Hali how to swim. His sister Lacey gave Hayden lessons at age five and encouraged us to join the swim team. He has loved swimming ever since!

I'm always amazed when I see Matthew interact with the children. He has such a kindness about him. He ALWAYS takes the time to acknowledge the kids. It may be as small as a "hey buddy" or a high five - or even a rub on the top of the head, but it makes the kids feel so important. It just amazes me that a young man, who doesn't have children of his own, would take the time. It means a lot to the kids. It means a lot to the moms.

There was a LOT of waiting around at the swim meet. We arrived at 10:45. We waited until 1:00 to warm up and then it was around 3:00 when he was able to start swimming in events. While we waited, he got all of his homework done (photo 2.) I told him that his teacher LOVES it when he colors neatly. I think this page he colored while waiting to swim was his neatest yet! When we got home we had a message from Hayden's teacher, just calling to see how the meet went. I played the message for Hayden and his face lit up like a Christmas tree! Hayden's teacher is a true blessing. He really loves her. If all of the teachers at his school are like this teacher - we will never want for more.

Last night was the banquet. Hayden is SO excited about his medal. He has lots of ribbons and trophies, but this is his first medal. He slept with it under his pillow last night. He wanted to wear it to school today, but I talked him out of it.

The banquet was at River Hills Country Club. It is a very NICE place with a beautiful entrance. While we were walking in, Had asked "Is this where you and Da got married?" ha! The food was yummy and the kids behaved, so it was an enjoyable night. Had did her best to stay awake......but didn't quite make it!

Next I will blog about the fair. We had a GREAT time!