That’s how long my brother swam yesterday! It was the Inaugural 2008 25K US Master Swimming National Championship, 15.5 miles, five times around a 3.1 mile lake loop. “No Lanes, No Lines, No Walls.” We had the honor of taking turns paddling alongside him as support kayakers … two loops for Steve, two for me, one for Shelly (his daughter, my niece.) Our job was easy. His was not! I think he is nuts and I am totally in awe of his discipline, his committment, his endurance, his stamina… I guess I could just say that I am totally in awe of my brother!

Before and after the swim we camped together on the White River outside Noblesville, Indiana. Steve (brother) brought his pop-up camper and daughters. I love my nieces! Shelly is soon-to-be 14; Jill just turned 12. They are very cool! After Steve (husband) and the girls went for a canoe paddle on the river this morning, we broke camp and headed to my Aunt Dude and Uncle Jack’s house for a visit with some of the Fort Wayne clan. Steve (brother) took the girls to a movie and stayed to camp another night. We’ll hook back up on the road tomorrow and head “home” to Michigan where we’ll move into his driveway for the next couple of weeks. I can’t wait! Mom and Dad… here we come!