Prelims are tomorrow!!

I am so nervous and excited for the boys tomorrow. Prelims for our division championships are tomorrow morning for the 8 and unders. :) I made the boys are nice pasta dinner, and had Ethan take a nap yesterday and today in hopes of his body fully healing before tomorrow. He has been battling a sore throat and fever since last week and it showed in his meet on Saturday. He had his worst swim meet ever Saturday, and was bummed and crying afterwards. He didn't remember that he hadn't swam but once on Monday all week long, and I tried to remind him that other kids were probably not sick and swimming every day to prepare for championships. He hasn't had a fever all day, so hopefully tomorrow will go well. We have tried to focus more on his perseverance than winning all summer, but he has really enjoyed all of his first place finishes. He will have a tough race tomorrow against all of the kids in our division, but hopefully he has a good attitude no matter what happens. Our main focus has been for him to stay confident with swimming even though he has a cast on.

Isaac has done really well this summer too. He has the chance to place in the top 8 tomorrow for all of his events if he stays focused. He has really gotten competitive, even with his friends, but it is all friendly competition. We have been so happy with all of the friends he has made this year, and can't wait to watch them get back together next summer. It is sad that the season is almost over, and I'm already excited for next summer when Elizabeth swims with the team, and the boys see their friends again.

So, the kids are in bed and I'm praying they get some good sleep before tomorrow morning. For me, I want them to get in the top 8, but more than that, I want them to give it their best and be proud no matter where they place. It really is a team effort, and as long as the team does well, I could care less if they win. I want to be the mom that is proud of her child's accomplishments, and encourages them to swim hard, but be there when they don't come out on top to tell them I love them anyway. It isn't about win or lose, it is how you play the game. :)