Swim Team

On a whim Natali decided to join swim team this year.  It was the first year that Middleton had a team.  They met every morning at the High School at 4:45am to catch a bus into Caldwell for practice at 5am.  Then back to the school to get ready for the day.  I didn't figure she would last past the first week (that girl isn't an early riser) but she stuck it out.  Not only stuck with it but was team co-captain, made it to district finals in the 100 breast stroke, and qualified for state in the 200 medley relay doing the breast stroke.  She was amazing and really loved it.  She was going to bed by 8:30pm.  She even stopped eating sweets and was eating really healthy food - truly incredible to see her willingness to change her habits to succeed. 

After years of trying every sport under the sun she finally found her thing.  Too late it wasn't till Senior year! 

Her favorite thing about it was her swim parka (a generous parent donation).  It was a sad day when she had to turn that thing in.  She wore it around the house and apparently at school - whenever she was cold.

She made a lot of friends and learned that she is a natural breast stroker.  It was so fun to watch her improve.

Natali also learned a lot of leadership skills - she planned a team trip to Denny's sans coaches or adults, arranged all the details with the bus driver and Denny's and even had extra money to cover kids who do poor math or forget money for tips.  She is pretty awesome!