Rat Race

Well the rat race in Chattanooga finally got here. I got up at 3:20 AM my time (central) and drove a few hours to Chattanooga to compete in a 4.5 mile open water swim. A bit of history: I started back swimming in January after about a 18 month break for our 3rd baby, Levi. Yes, 18 months is a bit long but some of that was pregnancy and the rest was laziness. This is the race I had trained to compete in for about 5 months (see post). Ok, back to the race. What I did expect was that the Chicamauga Dam would be releasing water. Had this been the case, as was last year, I would have finished in a reasonable time. However, the dam was NOT generating and 50 swimmers swam 4.5 miles with no current assist. I finished in 2 hrs 3 min and first in the 30-39 age group.

In other news, Abby is doing much better after uncontrollable seizures, emergency shunt replacement surgery and a lifeflight trip to Birmingham Children's hospital. School is out which means fewer appointments and more family time with the kids. This week she started a special summer camp for CP kids.

Josiah, is doing great. He is such intelligent, handsome boy, and is turning into quite a swimmer. Maybe he will do the rat race in a few years.

Levi, what can I say. We love having a baby. He just brings so much joy into our life. He is also learning to swim. Mommy and I have finally gathered the courage to let him go in the water for about 10 seconds.

Patty, well she is just perfect. I think she was made to fit me and this family. Thank you Lord for her.