Bode's Swimming Picture

I know I usually post the professional photos at the end of the year, but we just got Bode's swimming picture.  He looks great--he had a hair cut a couple days before, so he's neatly trimmed and looking handsome.

He likes the little lines in his hair on the side of his head--I guess it's better than some other weird things he could have done, so we'll tolerate his desires ;-)  Pleasant day to all.

Spring

Technically, it is still winter, but the flowers are really blooming on our bushes.

Ashley was in Raleigh all week.  She got back yesterday after a cancelled flight forced her to spend an extra night in Charlotte.  She was happy to be back where it is warm; the dogs were also quite happy to see her.

The dogs were also very interested in a pelican that was swimming near the dock.

Bode is wearing a wet suit.  We got him one because Ashley has one when she paddle boards in the winter, and Bode said he wanted one.  He likes to see if he can stand getting in the water.

Bode then decided he wanted to take the paddle board out.  Here are some action photos.

Finally, here's a movie of Bode in action--it's not quite as exciting as watching someone kite surf now is it?

Ashley and I watched Auburn get destroyed by Kentucky in basketball.  Otherwise, it is a pretty dull day--maybe some yard work, but otherwise, we plan to relax.  Pleasant weekend to all.

More Swimming

Bode had another swim meet a couple weeks ago (I've been remiss with my posting).  The meets are usually broken up into sessions.  There is a session Friday evening, two on Saturday, and then two on Sunday.  We like to attend for only one session--there is only so much time Ashley and I can spend on the pool deck.  The Saturday morning session worked best for our schedules, but the events were not Bode's favorites.  However, he still swam exceptionally well.  First, he swam the 200-yard freestyle.  I don't think he has swum that in a couple years, so he shaved 40+ seconds off his best recorded time.  Bode is now swimming in the 11-12 year old group, so he's not going to be near the top of the finishing lists.  However, there were not a lot of 11-year olds that did the 200, so I told him he might want to start thinking about doing it more often...not sure if he responded or was zoning out :-)  He also swam the 50-yard back, the 50-yard free, and the 100-yard breast stroke (he hates this stroke).  He swam PRs in the 200, the 50 free, and the 100-breast (he'd never swum in a meet before); he was right on his best time for back stroke, so he was quite pleased with his results.  Here are some pictures.  First, Bode getting ready to swim.

Next, is Bode swimming in the 200.

You can sort of see Bode's arm in this next one--he's doing the back stroke.

Here's Bode doing the breast stroke.  This is probably the best stroke for pictures.

Finally, here's Bode getting ready for his final race of the day.  He swam the 50 in 35 seconds, which is great.  Keep in mind, Bode is certainly not the best swimmer or anything like that, but he's working very hard and is improving.  Plus, he's in pretty good shape :-)

After the meet, we grabbed a quick photo with Mommy, I mean, Mom, and headed to Subway for some lunch.

At some point, Bode is going to be taller than Ashley...perhaps not this year, but I think it will happen before he's a teenager.  Pleasant day to everyone.