Brock's 8th Birthday & January Dual Swim Meet

Brock had a low-key birthday celebration this year. He woke up to a few birthday decorations and a big number 8 balloon tied to his chair. We brought the balloon up to his room during his school day so all his classmates could see it too! 

Blueberry muffins for breakfast, Bojangles for lunch, and Pancakes with Cracker Barrel fried apples & Candy Apple bacon was the requested dinner menu! 

After dinner, we had a group video call with Papa & Phyllis and Grammy & Grandpa. They watched as he opened gifts and we all sang happy birthday around his Minecraft birthday cake. 

A special gift is coming for the birthday boy this year - Lifetime hunting and fishing license - jointly from Grandpa & Grammy and from us. (As Brent said, he won't realize just how special that gift is until he's in his teens/20's!)

We are so proud of all the Brock has tackled this year. He transitioned to virtual school, abided by the pandemic safety precautions all around, raced a few virtual swim meets, accompanied his dad on fishing & hunting trips, became proficient in Minecraft, and even though hates to admit it..... can be a really great big brother (when he wants to be). We know this has been a tough year and we've had some bumps in the road, but I'm so impressed by how well he's handled his responsibilities. Happy 8th Birthday Brock! We love you!

Made him interrupt his tv time to take this picture - see the remote still in his hand!! 

A few days after Brock's birthday, he swam in the January Dual Meet against Charlotte's Lifetime gym. He's the youngest boy on the Bronze team so they usually have him swim with the Under 8 girls. 

25 meter freestyle was Brock's first event - and yes, he swam it solo! (The other racers on the results are all from Charlotte) Again, our pool is a meter pool, but the times are adjusted for yards. (25 yards)

Breast stroke is his weakest event he partook this race. However, he did really well! He looked great!

Kade was relaxing and taking it all in! 

Get ready for Butterfly! Look at those arms outstretched as he dives in!!

Brock got to swim in FOUR races on Saturday! Ending in the 50m Freestyle - which we think he really liked! Just watch his underwater dolphin kick and how his body is just streamlined!

The team celebrated finishing the meet by opening the water slide and letting all the kids play for awhile. 

Brock improved on every single event he had completed in the past. He had one proud smile on his face all day! 40 points earned towards his team's win! (Team won with a score of 482-353!)