Anna Grows

Anna & Storm next to Anna's Painting One of the fun things about summer is the opportunity to try something new.  Anna was looking for something "artsy" to do and found two great opportunities:  sculpting/painting and an animation camp. Mr. Mendoza, who happens to be the father of Anna's friend Banaue, is an artist and teacher.  He recently became the art teacher at a local Catholic school.  This summer, he decided to offer some Saturday art classes.  Anna was very excited about that as she got to do two things she enjoyed:  art projects and hang out with Banaue.  During the first two classes, Anna learned how to sculpt (we are waiting for the results of her first sculpting project, which must be fired in the kiln).  The last two classes involved drawing and painting.  Anna declared the classes the best art courses she has ever taken and is already looking forward to the next time Mr. Mendoza teaches.  She learned some cool techniques.  You can check out Mr.

Anna & relay team members The summer swim season is winding down for the Lakevale Dolphins.  This year, the Dolphins competed in Division IV in the Northern Virginia Swim League.  For those of you not familiar with competitive swimming (which was quite frankly us until Anna started swimming), there are 17 divisions with Division I being the most competitive (think Katie Ledecky).  Bottom line:  it is competitive. Last year, the team was in Division III....and lost every meet.  This year they dropped to Division IV.....and won one meet.  Better luck next year.  Meanwhile, Anna moved up to the 11-12 age group this year.  Breast stroke remains her specialty.  At each Saturday meet, swimmers can compete in up to two strokes.   Anna was a consistent competitor in breast stroke, but since she is new to the age group this year. she often got place on what is her least favorite stroke:  butterfly.  Also new this year is the 50 meter butterfly (in the younger age group, they only do 2