More odds and ends

Just spent the last five days in Aggieland (Texas A&M for the uninitiated).

It was the state long course championships for the 14-under swimmers.

I think this was the longest most drawn out swim meet I have ever attended.

As I've explained in this post, at this point in Aidan's life, we don't expect a lot out of long course season. So, unlike short course (winter/spring), he didn't have a whole bunch of qualifying times. He swam 1 individual event (50 back) and was on 2 relays (200 free and 200 medley).

As always, he swam his heart out, especially on the relays. The medley relay was the last event on the last night of competition (we'd been there five days by then), and they did awesome - I've never seen him swim so fast, or be unable to stand up after he was done. That relay took third. His free relay took fourth. His individual 50-back was a good swim, but as he's a "young" 12-yr old and also a bit of a small 12-yr old, we did not have high expectations. He's still in the top 20 in the state, so that is a lot to be proud of.

The 11-12 boys from our team got 2nd place overall for their age group in the whole meet. Our team wound up taking 6th (missed 5th by 6 points which is NOTHING in swimming). The best our team has ever done in long course season statewide is 17th. We are very proud of them all.

Since we were there five days and Aidan was only in the water for a total of 94.43 seconds and you can only watch so much swimming, we had a lot of time to kill. There is not a lot to do in College Station, TX.

We toured the campus which was very interesting. Except for the fact that Aidan (who insists he's going to UT) complained and rolled his eyes the whole time. Bridget was a trooper though, as she insists she IS attending A&M (because her riding trainer went there). I find that funny as she's so artsy and creative.

We tried a "self-tour" of the horse barns, but since no humans were on site, Bridget (who is all about The Rules) was so nervous we finally had to leave.

Besides the swimming, the highlight of the trip was visiting the Bush Library (H, not W). It was lovely with very informative exhibits.

The drive home was a real grind. The meet wasn't over until nearly 9pm.

But I'm here now, and I have about 43 hours to "turn & burn" and then head out for California. Well, make that 42 hours. I think I'll need a nap today.