On deck with my loves

Swimming is the kinda sport where you give it your everything. You're at the pool 10 plus hours a week (just talking TYES here), and your teammates become your family. I'm pretty sure they have seen more of my ups and downs than anybody.

I've always loved these 2 little girls who swim in the group below me. (I say "little", they're in 6th grade now, but I met them when they were 8... so they're still little :P) I always end up going to their meets to watch them compete, and to help Coach Kris out with the youngins'. I honestly don't mind it.

Over the past few months, I've gotten pretty close to 5 of the girls: Alexis, Alison, Aubrey, Jacy and Mary. They're all 11 or 12, and some of the most awesome girls I know. I know they look up to me, and I love how genuine and innocent they are. High school is so un-innocent, and so I love how amazing they are.

Today, I fell in love with them more.. if that's even possible. Seeing their pure joy and love for swimming, and for each other, was the coolest thing ever. None of them won overall, but they were all droppin time, and swimming their little hearts out. The smiles when they dropped time was so exciting. Alexis nearly tackled me into the pool after dropping 8 seconds in the 200 free. Alison jumped up and down after winning her heat in the 200 breast. Mary's smile was the biggest I'd ever seen when she dropped time. Aubrey got me soaking wet when she went a personal best and placed overall.

They have SO much energy and love. Those little girls are SO awesome. Aubrey asked me if I'd coach in college so I could still come to all of her meets. I said I'd do my best to come and see her. They are so cute and so lovable, and made my day ten times better today.

Love them!!