Declan's first hard-core competition.

While Marty and Wendy were visiting, we decided to go to Leawood Pool for a cookout with some of our LR friends, figuring on having the place pretty much to ourselves on a Tuesday evening.  We were pretty surprised to find a full parking lot and a filled-to-capacity pool as it was the night of the neighborhood swim meet.  They were having races in all sorts of categories, including with some wee kids, so Shane asked  Declan if he wanted to compete in the Under- 6, 25 meter Butterfly".  To which Declan replied "I like butterflies!" which we took as assent.  It would be his first race ever, and he was excited and ready to go. 
He had his very own cheering section!

Unfortunately, the video footage of this historic race is lost forever, having been stolen by gypsies (more on this later). However, I did take enough still photos to give you the basic idea of what went down.

Declan is listening to the prerace instructions.  We are full of hope, envisioning medals and glory.

When the referee called "on your marks" and the other competitors bent down for a headfirst entry, I knew we were in trouble.

Here, Declan watches with interest from the sidelines as the other kids dive in.

With the other kids safely on their way, Declan turns to leave.

Shane did manage to talk him into finally jumping in and swimming the race, albeit after the other kids had already finished.  We gave him "A" for effort though!