Junior Olympics - Iowa

David made his way to Iowa for Junior Olympics and did so well.

We had a 5:00am flight so there was nothing open in the Austin Airport to eat before we boarded at 4:30. When we arrived at DFW at 6:00 the first thing David needed was breakfast.  We found a breakfast sandwich for David and coffee for Angie.

We arrived in Iowa with a very festive welcome all over the airport.

We went first to check David in for his race the next day at Drake University.

We met his team for lunch...

And the kids played...

Angie and David went back to their hotel to swim... it was an indoor pool, but it was very cold.

After a swim we went back to the room to rest, and it was time for dinner.

David ordered a steak from room service... with potatoes and broccoli.

The next morning came early.  Angie went to find David some protein and carbs for breakfast, she came back with a biscuit and eggs.  Then David started warming himself up.

One of his coaches was picking us up at 6:45 to get to the stadium.

We made it and David found his best friend Jake.

The 14-year-old runners... and David.

Taking care of those spikes...

Checked in and ready to race... Lane 1 will be their lane.

And he is off... David was leg 3.

And they finished... a minute better than their regional time and 2 minutes better than their district time... 16th in the country.

David with his coaches that are so encouraging and supportive of each bit of progress he makes.

David's name was on the back of his shirt...

Then it was time for photos... his team all took pictures on the Drake Bull Dog.

So proud of this kid!!

While waiting for an Uber David found this Praying Mantis...

And then it was off to the airport...

Angie was offered first class for both of she and David on both flights to Iowa.  David turned it down because he didn't want to sit with a stranger, even though first class is small. But coming back he decided to take the offer of first class - and they ended up being able to sit together.

So happy - and when did he start looking like such a big kid!

On the phone in first class...

Reading in First Class...

Unlimited drinks in glass cups in first class...

Unlimited snacks and movies in first class...

Our fourth and final and longest flight of the trip was coach... and David wasn't sure he could make it back in coach. But we did... we had a great time with this Olympian.