Danny and The Boys Go To Soccer Camp

Many months ago, Luke S.’s mom floated the idea of a sleep away soccer camp at Furman University to the squad of seven Marist soccer boys. At the time, it was unclear if Covid restrictions would allow the camp to take place. We all agreed it sounded like fun, and tentatively signed up. Sometime around spring break we received word that the camp was ON, and the rest is history.

Because these guys are all tight, and also because boys seem to be easier in this regard, we each listed all seven on the requested roommates slot, and left it to the camp to figure it out. They did so admirably, placing them in rooms all next to/across from each other. Additionally, they were all on the same team!

We didn’t hear a whole lot from Danny while he was gone (in his defense, it was just Saturday night through Wednesday morning). But he did send this picture with Clint Dempsey, who I later learned is one of the best U.S. men’s players ever!

They were up early, played a LOT of soccer - which included Danny’s selection in the All Star game and a game-saving slide tackle to boot - and made fun memories in the dorm, too. When he kept talking about “family movie night,” which equated to 15 of them huddled around Ryan’s phone watching “Cars 2,” I knew for certain he had found a good group of kids. Danny Boy + The Boys continues to be a winning combination.

Summer Swim Team 2021

The “lasts” for Clare continued with her final season - as a swimmer - with the Byrnwyck Blue Dolphins. I persuaded Laura to swim again, too - a decision made much easier once Meghan was also on board. It ended up being what I would consider our best season yet!

This year, the more traditional evening meets returned, but with the bonus that they were virtual, meaning the opposing team swam at their own pool. This made for less crowded pool decks and much earlier end times! Glorious!

I love that summer swim gives Laura the chance to connect with other kids from the neighborhood, including Taylor from the house behind ours. Laura also really improved as a swimmer, becoming a valuable member of the A relay team, and developing an excellent backstroke. She loved collecting blue ribbons!

But no one loves it more than Coach Clare! She would often comment to me how much she loves summer swim team. And several parents would comment to me what a terrific coach she is, and how much their kids love her. (The smiles at this post-swim meet trip to Los Bravos say it all!)

We’re so grateful that our neighborhood has offered this experience. It’s a pretty perfect summer gig!

One More Official Celebration of Clare

Since the governor was nice enough to invite Clare to a reception for all of the state’s valedictorians, we decided to satisfy our curiosity and accept. We had NO idea what to expect, but made a plan to get brunch afterwards so it was bound to be a success!

The biggest draw was the photo op with Governor and Mrs. Kemp. After that, we primarily waited for the rest of the crowd to do the same, and then listened to some remarks. The event concluded with a group photo, where Clare’s decision to not interact with her fellow honorees was reinforced after overhearing two of them compare GPAs. Good grief.

It was a fun, if slightly odd, morning, especially since we did finish with a delicious brunch. I was more than happy to take the opportunity to celebrate her once again!