At times it feels like this year has been a year of “lasts” for our firstborn. It is so bittersweet. He is preparing to turn the page to another chapter in his life… and unfortunately for me, I am a slow reader and like to savor certain pages. But alas, I cannot put down the book and stop the clock. Time keeps marching.

Has it already been eight and a half years since this picture was taken??…

He swam in his final swim meet last weekend and finished well.  It was the conference meet, thus the pool deck was packed with swimmers.

Throughout his swim career, backstroke has remained his favorite and strongest stroke.

He participated in a couple relays

and celebrated with some of the team.

He came up to the balcony to mingle with his fan club during a break.

Then, true to his “Adapt-a-Jake” nickname since he was a baby, he swiftly changed out of his swim suit and ran home to join the Science Olympiad team that was meeting at our house.