July 22 - BC Meet; Handcart Days Parade & Carnival

In age-group competitive swimming, there are “A Times,” “BC Times,” and “All Times.” Swimmers who achieve A Times go to the state championships. Swimmers who have BC Times go to the BC state championships. Swimmers who fall into the All Times category work harder at improving their times so they can go to State or BC the next season. :) Ryan “aged up” in April – he went from competing in the 9-10 age group to the 11-12 age group. “Aging up” is discussed in great length in the swimming culture. It is extremely difficult to make state times (or even BC times) when a swimmer first ages up.

Ryan hasn’t make any state times since he turned 11 on April 25, but he made six BC times! We are THRILLED! July 22-23 was the BC Beehive Finale in Draper. Warm-ups started at 7:00 am, with the meet starting at 8:00 am. Yes, we left home at 6:30 am to get there on time. Have I mentioned lately how much I am not a morning person? I can honestly say that Ryan is the dedicated and disciplined one in the family!

Friday Ryan swam the 100 fly (and medaled)…




50 free…




And 50 breaststroke…
Later that day, Ryan participated in the Bountiful Handcart Days parade with the rest of his school’s Student Council. Rara, Papa & I dropped Ryan off at his meeting spot, and then we grabbed dinner and went to our parade spot. Marc, Frances, Alice & Claire met us there to have dinner and watch the parade.

As we were watching for Ryan, Ryan’s swim coach and his wife walked by us. We talked with them for a few minutes, right as Ryan walked by. Two of Ryan’s best friends, Sarah and Alissia, are also on the swim team and on student council. They were all thrilled to see Coach Dale also waving and cheering for them on the sidelines!

After Ryan walked by, we went and met him, and then all went to the park for the Handcart Days booths and activities. The kids LOVED the bounce houses, especially the obstacle course!