Maddie and the olympic trials

Maddie is in Nebraska attending the swimming olympic trials. She's star struck! She brought a swim cap for all of her idols to sign. This is the first time she has been away from us for more than 2 days. She has travelled to out of state meets before, but usually just a weekend. This is an entire week without her. As I sniffled and wiped my tears as the bus drove out of sight, my oh so wise 5 year old nephew said... "you gotta let go auntie, you just gotta let go".....

Her team has members who have made it to the olympic trials and the whole team is there to cheer them on.

Maddie dreams of the day when it's her turn to swim at trials. She doesnt care if she's ranked in the 100s, she is striving to meet her goal and I think being there, for this olympic trial will give her the boost and the drive to make her own dreams come true.

This is Maddie being embarrassed that I made her stand alone for a picture.

Maddie and her team walking to the bus that will take them to the airport.

Maddie waving goodbye as she gets on the bus, thankful she is getting away from me and my camera.