My Dearest Avery,
Remember that whirlwind I mentioned in the last post? Well, we’re still in whirlwind mode when it comes to Coronavirus. We finished the summer with lots of swimming and playing at home. You and Evan have become best buds because you’re the only playmates you’ve been allowed to be around. Good thing you both seem to like having each other around! You like playing resort/hotel (likely because that is something you haven’t been able to enjoy for a while) and you miss airports and flying. One of our favorite things to do together right now is go for a walk on the old golf course – you like going through the tunnel!
You started virtual school at the beginning of August. All of Basis started online so with Mr. Graham as the head teacher for your element (Radon), you started the year. Daddy got you some fun computer accessories (keyboard, mouse, mousepad) and I got you a fun cart to hold all your at home school supplies and you’ve been using the guest room as your self-proclaimed office ever since. You also got to take over my computer and I got a new one. At first, dad was remote logged in to your computer so he could see everything going on. But as time as passed, you’ve become pretty good at getting things taken care of on your own so he has been giving you more and more freedom. Even Evan has been joining in on some of the class fun, particularly gym and kenpo!
Your school is going back to optional in-person school on Monday. However, we decided to keep you out for this grading period. This seems to make you feel comfortable and it allows us to see what the COVID numbers do with school in session (they don’t have the room to socially distance). This will be for six weeks and then we can opt in for you to head back to the classroom. Because of the options, you’ve had to change elements and core teachers – you’ll now be with Ms Othon in Plutonium. There are 55 kids in your virtual class!
Since school started, you’ve become good at typing and you’ve started to think about computer logic. You’ve also become such an awesome reader! Oh my, I am constantly in awe when I hear you read to me – and I read to you too! Right now we’re reading a series about Princess Pulverizer J. You’ve become more timid about going out and doing things away from the house, as all of us have been. You’ve also started soccer back up, which is really a godsend. Soccer makes you a more confident person and it truly shows. You’ve met another little girl at soccer who you’ve befriended too so that’s going well.
Right now, we’re winding down from fall break. We drove up to Park City to rent a house for a socially distanced get-away. It wasn’t as active as our normal vacations of going to amusement parks and museums and out to eat but it was still loads of fun. We got to see the Olympic training facility and visit some outdoor parks and a barn and we also got to play in the grass and hot tub at the house where we were staying. We were also able to get our pumpkins and enjoy some farm animals along the way!
You are really growing into a sweet, thoughtful and sometimes high maintenance little girl. You are still very caring when someone gets hurt or doesn’t feel well, you love to cuddle, you are good about taking care of business and helping when it’s needed. You also have trouble listening when we tell you to do something and you’re starting to get into make-up and fancy things like purses and glitter boots and eye masks. You hide your eyes when you see people kiss on tv and you are really attached to a bunny you got two years ago for Easter (names “Carrots”). You still love to dance but we’ve delayed getting you into a dance class until the virus settles down. You’ve also started learning how to play some video games, mostly one where you are a horse running through various landscapes.
For Halloween, we’re pretty confident we’re not going to be able to do trick or treating so we’ve got some special surprises lined up for you and Evan. You’re going to dress up as a unicorn – I can’t wait to see you in that costume!
And here’s your life in pictures right now……
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| You finally like the headbands I bought for you when you were a baby! |
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Arts and Crafts with Bud!
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| #squad |
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Two teeth that weren't there in July but are there now!
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| You and Evan love getting to see the turtles at Home Depot! |
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You look so old in this picture!
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Covid slowed a lot of things down - including our receipt of your artwork (on bookmarks and a water bottle) - these were supposed to be mother's day gifts!
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Fun at the park! Covid-style!
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School work!
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Soccer practice while we waited for them to open it back up!
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New hair!
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Such a goof! Doing a fashion show!
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A rare break for mom while working from home so we went out to play in the rain!
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Drive in move fun! We saw Jumanji!
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It's been an extremely hot summer - no better way to cool off!
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Class!
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Your set up in the office!
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First day of school (virtually)....no doubt about it - dad is in first grade with you!
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I love this picture of the two of you!
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Your engineering design!
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Kinetic sand fun! Don't ask why your brother has a helmet on :)
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| Super heros! |
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A great engineering design to help you open your toothpaste!
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You keep falling on your scooter and bike so we got you some pads!
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My fashionista!
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| Gym class! |
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| Cuties! |
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You and your tooth brushing app!
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New weights so you can work out with mom and dad!
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On a golf course walk with mom! All dressed up for it!
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Chatting with grandma!
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Fishing in the driveway....nothing to see here!
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First time trying fondu!
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| Family golf course walk! |
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A view of Lake Powell from Page, Arizona! I spot a unicorn!
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| School work! You're learning about Egypt! |
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In the house we rented in Park City....you and Evan were cuddling!
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Getting ready for colder weather in Park City!
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A 12 hour drive!
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| Wheeler Farm in Park City - got to see lots of animals. |
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Pop said, "Evan's looking bony"
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The maze at Wheeler Farm!
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Enjoying real grass on our feet in Park City!
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Not sure how many times I can say, "don't touch anything!" #coronavirus
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| My hearts |
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Wheeler Farm
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Grandma retired! We were wishing her a happy retirement!
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A couple of family picture preview shots - you're so beautiful!
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You're a ham anytime there's a camera at home but the second we get the professional, you aren't sure what to do!
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Prepping for the photos!
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| At THE salt lake :) |
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| You reading to Evan before bed....so sweet! |
Avery, you are my favorite little girl in the whole world. We talk about how sad I am that you’re growing so fast but I know that it’s my job to help you grow into a strong, smart, capable and independent woman. And I intend to do just that!
All my heart,
Mom
