Community Church Overnight Camp

The boys attended Community Church of Hendersonville's Church Camp this summer, which is an overnight camp at Whispering Pines Campgrounds.  We dropped them off on Sunday night and got them settled into their cabins, and then we didn't get to see or talk to them again until Thursday night.  This was the longest I have ever gone without these two boys, and I missed them like crazy!  Thankfully, the church posted pictures of the campers every day.  It always made me feel better when I saw a picture of one of them smiling and having fun!

I am so proud of them for wanting to go to this camp, and I'm thankful that they were able to have this experience.  They both had a lot of fun and made tons of great memories.  Colby did tell me that he cried a little on the first night because he missed us, but then again, so did I!  They are already looking forward to attending this camp again next summer.

Swim Team Banquet

The Swim Team Banquet was on Monday, July 11.  As everyone was getting there, it started to rain.  We joked that rain was kind of the theme of this season.  We had more rained out practices and meets this summer than ever before.  As the rain passed, though, this beautiful rainbow appeared, and it was the perfect backdrop to this great night!

These boys have been on this swim team since we started 5 or 6 years ago, and I couldn't think of better boys for my two to look up to.  I love all the friendships we have made through swim team!

Brody and Colby both received their Marlin trophy for swimming in every meet, including City Meet.  They also both received Attendance Medals for showing up to each practice and working hard.  I pray that they always have a good work ethic and a drive to improve.

This has been the best swim season yet!  We are so thankful for a great team of coaches that love the kids and work hard to help them all improve.  We can't wait for next summer!!

City Meet 2016

The Bluegrass Marlins showed up at City Meet ready to swim!  All of the kids did awesome, and we ended this meet as the Division AA City Meet Champions!  Way to go Marlins!!!

Colby had a great City Meet.  He got out of the water after his first race a little disappointed in his freestyle time, but he quickly made up for that with his backstroke.  He cut almost 5 seconds off his fastest time.  He then swam breaststroke for the first time ever, and his only goal was to not be disqualified. To our great surprise, he met this goal!!  He finished out his races for the day by swimming the first leg of a freestyle relay, and he started his team off strong by swimming his entire 25 yards without taking a single breath!!  Who would have dreamed that this kid, a kid that only functions on half of a heart, would be able to do this.  He is a strong willed and determined kid that I have learned to never doubt.  He may have to work 10 times harder and 10 times longer than other kids, but you better believe he will get there!

This season has been a tough one for Brody.  He was never able to really get into his stride with his swimming, and his times have suffered because of that.  His confidence just hasn't been there this summer, and it has been so hard as his mom to watch him go through this.  I think that makes me even more proud of him, though.  He never gave up, even when he was discouraged and down, and he maintained a good attitude (most of the time).  I'm glad that he was able to end his summer with a good City Meet, cutting some time off of each event.

Bluegrass Marlins at Willoughby

Our last swim meet of the season was at Willoughby.  It was a hot and rainy one, but all the kids had a blast and added another win to our season record!

3rd of July Fireworks

3rd of July Fireworks fun at the Anglin's house...

Church Day Camp

This summer, both the boys attended our church's day camp.  It was a fun week filled with games, crafts, fishing, nature walks, swimming, canoeing, singing, and bible lessons.  The kids learned all about how to be a disciple of God.  I love that our boys were able to experience this awesome week together!  

On Friday night, the parents joined the campers at Whispering Pines for dinner and an awards ceremony.  Colby received the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Award, along with his buddy Kellen.  These two were inseparable in Preschool at HBK, and it was so awesome to see that they picked up right where they left off during camp. They are such sweet friends!

Brody received the Overall Bible Award for the camp.  He was presented with a new Bible embossed with his name and signed by all of the counselors.  We are so proud of him for being honored with this very special award.  I pray his love for God and for others continues to shine brightly for all to see!