This young lady and I have been getting along swimmingly since she was in 6th grade rocking’ it on tuba. She and I swim the same events at swim meets and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following her illustrious career in the pool and on the field and on the stage. Emma seriously does it all and does it seriously well as can be demonstrated by all the medals and accessories she brought with her for our time together last week. The girl has some major bling and has no idea what kinda a big deal she is. So, when my daughter is excited to see her play tuba at a 5th grade concert and looks up to Emma, I say a whole-hearted “yes! Emma is awesome. Please follow her wonderful example.” She’s just that great of a human.
I just about shrieked in excitement when Emma wanted to bring her lap counter (that she uses for the 500 at meets) and put it on “25” as a nod to her graduation year. She just gets me and has great ideas to boot – a photographer’s heaven! Check out all her bling as you scroll!
On her questionnaire, Emma commented regarding her Mock Trial experience: “Starting this team taught me so much about what it means to not let people say no and shut down your ideas, critical thinking, team work, and how hard work, dedication, and determination can make anything happen!!” I loved reading this from her because these lessons will take her far in life beyond Mock Trial and high school. For my blue-eyed Emma, we had to find not only a spot for her to be in the shade but I needed to be standing in the shade as well. For some of these shots, I’m standing in a planter area with tree branches hanging over my head so that the shade of the tree helped Emma’s eyes. I’m sure it was quite comical to watch!
We had a slight detour to the YMCA to document her swimming career, but the pool was closed due to a chemical imbalance whomp whomp. So, we continued on with our plan of getting Emma’s hair wet for her natural curls and ending at Grey’s Lake dock and surrounding scenery!
I absolutely loved this blue outfit to end the evening on! So proud of how we were able to re-orient our plans and make magic happen anyway!
Emma – you did SO WELL! I’m so proud of the woman you are becoming and the example you are to the band kids (and athletes) coming up after you. Thank you for a lovely evening, your leadership, your winsome personality and how well you love others. I wish you all the best in your CNA degree and pursuing Occupational Therapy with special needs students – you will be amazing!
Cheering for you,
Carrie
PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE.
