Family of 3

Family of 3

Friday, September 24, 2021

Starting the School Year 2021

 My Dearest Avery,

We didn't seem to stop go-go-going when we got back from our crazy road trip this summer! Soon after getting back, you did another week of riding lessons - this time at a place closer to home, which we liked a lot more. You really love riding so we'll try to keep injecting it here and there.

You started second grade this year, and it's all 100% in person this time around. You got your same teacher from Kindergarten, Mrs. DiPierro, but now she is moving to England because her husband is in the Air Force. You're very disappointed and you've cried over it but we're trying to make sure you enjoy every last day with her. We don't know yet who your new teacher will be. You're in Lego Engineering club and you're learning that second grade gets down to business with prepositional phrases, conjunctions, and timed math facts. You're doing well but sometimes you have slip ups - we just work on them and sometimes you're going to student hours to help too.

You're also back in soccer. I think you really like being back and some of your friends from before are there again too so you're right back in the swing of re-engaging with them. You did some training with Dad in the "off season" and it's really showing, actually. You look really strong on the field and you're so fun to watch!

You're learning a lot about your feelings right now. I think you're noticing new feelings as you grow, so one of the books you're reading is about feelings (I actually got it for Evan but you really have taken to it). You are generally very happy and helpful. We've started having you do more chores and we're going to set you up to pay you for them. You're learning to do the dishes and vacuum and clean your toothpaste on the bathroom counter up, among other things.

We also took Dad on a trip for his 40th birthday: we took him to Pittsburgh to see his Pirates play in their home stadium over Labor Day! It was our first time flying as a family since COVID hit us. You did so well (I can't say the same for Evan but he'll get there) and we had a lot of fun. The science center there was amazing - we even got to tour a submarine!

Here's your life in pictures right now.....

Riding camp!



Mommy Daughter date to Nordstrom Rack! Your favorite place to try on shoes (and DSW)

Taking Dad out for his 40th Birthday!

First day of second grade!




First time going through the pick up/drop off lane!

Learning how to tie your shoes!

More exercising fun!

Evan not liking the pick up/drop off process!

You dropping Evan off at your old stomping ground!



Your new NASA shirt! You still love all things space!

You and Evan LOVE Legos!






This is the brain maze outside the Pittsburgh Science Museum

The submarine we got to tour!












The love lock bridge in Pittsburgh!









You did great with the family photos we got....even with new teeth half-grown in!















Evan joining us for exercising!

Super hero day at school!

Evan gets to do soccer with you now!


Fun times!







Avery, I am loving every second with you. You're learning so much right now, both at school and just in life in general. You're learning how to deal with your emotions, how to manage time, how to take care of your chores and how to play more complex games. I snuck in your room this morning to cuddle with you while you were still asleep because I missed you :)

All My Love,

Mom