{finding joy in the journey...}: Swim Season 2024-2025 {All the Wrap Up in One Big Ball of Memories}

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Swim Season 2024-2025 {All the Wrap Up in One Big Ball of Memories}

Swim season has officially come to an end, and a good one it's been.

All three of our swimmers worked hard and shaved insane amounts of time from events. We did the most swim meets we've ever participated in - both for fun and to chase some qualifying times for state.

Mike stepped into a new roll as administrative official for our home meets. I did not run a stopwatch for the first time this year - mostly because I was afraid of slipping with my ankle still not up to par - also because that left one of us available for the younger siblings. I did entertain myself with charting the kids' times and they seemed to appreciate my efforts.

Natalee bettered her times in the following (from her best times last season):

4.15 seconds off her 50 free

15.21 seconds off her 100 free

9.99 seconds off her 50 back

6.99 seconds off her 50 fly

Natalee enjoyed swimming with several different relay groups and succeeded in meeting the goal Coach Megan set for her in her 50 back! She continues to be a true force in the water and no one can beat her determination.

This probably means more to me than anything - a coach who pours into every one of our kids.

Xavier bettered his times in the following (from his best times last year):

7.93 seconds off his 50 free

13.34 seconds off his 100 free

11.96 seconds off his 50 breast

26.92 seconds off his 100 breast

Xavier also qualified for state with his relay team (Heath, Ian, Calvin) for both a 200 medley and 200 free relay.

Celebrating their state qualifying time!

Ameliya bettered her times in the following (from her best times last year):

13.94 seconds from her 50 free

30.28 seconds from her 100 free

7.96 seconds from her 50 back

18.92 seconds from her 50 breast

25.01 seconds from her 100 IM

Mia and Cora cheering on friends.

Mia's favorite event this year was the 100 IM. She became quite adept at the butterfly stroke and did it in some group relays. She also moved her own personal standing up quite a bit throughout the season.

Mia and her bestie, Cora, were a matched pair in the water this year. It was really so much fun to watch them.

I took a lot of videos this year. The kids' best time videos are embedded below. All the ones I took are compiled in a playlist on YouTube. It's mostly my own kids who enjoying rewatching them - an online scrapbook of sorts for them to treasure, but I love that for them, too..

Swim Season 2024-25 Playlist

NATALEE

50 free

100 free

50 back - the smile at the end. :) Met her goal. I wish I'd have kept the camera rolling!

Also, I realize watching these back that I sound atrocious and a little ferocious. Please know I genuinely am cheering for my kids - my voice is low and stout and "I is who I is." I may be a little nutty but when my kids think back that loud obnoxious voice will be in every one of their memories. Also, Natalee was working for a goal here and I knew she could do it. And she did. So insanely proud.

50 fly

XAVIER

50 free

100 free

50 breast

His fastest time was in Marshalltown on 1/18 but I didn't video at that meet.

Marshalltown meet live feed

100 breast

State Qualifying Relay Races - I only got one on video and the after celebration of the other. They qualified both on the same day.

AMELIYA

50 free

100 free

100 IM

50 back - her fastest time but a DQ because she flipped on her stomach when she turned

Evie and Zayden were troopers this season. I was thankful for all the meets my folks were able to make it to, both to cheer on the kids and help with the others.

Ev found Jessica's lap....the joy of a friend!

Just here for the snacks.

Zayden loved hanging out with friends in the team camp, and spent his time eating and playing games.

Swim banquet...

State was a whole weekend event. It was fun to share it with friends and grandparents and experience it with our kids.

Natalee and I got a couple other sisters of state qualifiers together and made good luck bags to give the swimmers at their last practice. That was so much fun!