The Fairview...do w/ pics?

Andrew's summer clearly revolved around swim team at Fairview. Starting before school was even out, he hit the ground running (or the pool swimming) in typical Andrew fashion. He was nervous the first day, but by the end of the first week, we were searching for ways to reign in his over-exuberance. With daily practice (and by daily I mean 6 days/week) from 11:45-12:30, the family schedule revolved around our Fairview commitment, which grew into Fairview love. We packed a lunch every single day all summer and fell into a nice routine. Margaret picnicked during Andrew's practice and played in the toddler pool until JJ (aka the best swim coach in the world, who might also be just the best person in the world!) scooped up Margaret for her lesson. JJ offered to work with Margaret any day all summer that was mutually convenient, so they logged endless hours together. The two of them together is a sight that I will never forget. Enough to melt anyone's heart, as many others shared with me. Andrew would eat during Margaret's time with JJ, and Matthew, well, Matthew would eat when I could get to him. Third child. But the kids had a ball and there were days we were at the pool well into nap/quiet time. Highlights include the day that Andrew finally decided to try the diving board. Of course there was no going back. The slide was next. Whoa! And naturally, Margaret followed suit. She ultimately only let JJ plunge in with her once, but she emerged to laugh about that and spent several days on the slide. Oh, the exercise JJ got treading water waiting to catch Miss Margaret! Another big night was a fun Friday (aren't they all at Fairview?) when Margaret finally decided to jump off the block. At what other pool would you hear JJ over the loud speaker singing his praises of his little buddy's accomplishment!

The kiddos made lots of friends at Fairview and, most importantly, learned to be great swimmers. Margaret is SO close to swimming herself. She has plateaud a bit, but JJ will surely seal the deal this fall. Andrew was swimming a barely recognizable form of freestyle in May, and by June was swimming a length of the pool and ready for meets. We were so proud of his meet efforts. We participated in our three home meets to round out the season. While he was always nervous beforehand ("my heart hurts, Mom"), he always did exactly what he was supposed to do. He handled the tremendous chaos beautifully, stepped up to the block each time (which one cannot say about all 6 & unders), jumped in and raced his little heart out. His times significantly improved, as did his form. We couldn't be more proud of the effort he gave this summer.

The first of roughly 60 picnics at FV this summer!

Loving on JJ during Margaret's nearly daily lessons with him.

Margaret's Fairview T-shirt!

At JJ's request, Margaret would often help coach the 6-unders. This was his brilliant tactic to help keep her out of the cold wading pool before her lesson after swim team.