Starting Off 2023 Right!

 My Dearest Avery,

Oh my girl, you’ve had an incredible first quarter of the year! Primarily, you’ve really grown exponentially in soccer. You ended 2022 finally getting your first goal and since then you’ve become the highest scorer on your team….as a winger! You’re the best at staying in position (when you are in the winger position because that’s the position you know the best) and you’re a really excellent passer. You’ve figured out how to navigate dynamic situations on the field and make quick decisions (something you were not doing at the beginning of the season). You go to extra training sessions the club puts on, you watch Arsenal at home with dad and you and dad talk through your position and plays and where you should be when. And you wish you had more soccer in your life – ha! Your coaches have said you’re the most improved player on the team – and I agree! Your team won the Jacob’s Classic Tournament Championship in penalty kicks which was so awesome to watch. Right now you’re heading into a few weeks of training leading up to try-outs, which will be interesting this year because we’re combining with another club. I’m not sure where that will land you but excited to see you continue to grow and progress in the sport you love. You’re also headed to two soccer camps this summer!

In other news, you’re still doing horseback riding lessons but you had a big setback….you were riding poorly one day when you lost control of the horse. This made the horse run out of control circles around the arena….while you were riding. You kept yelling “help me” but in that situation the only two ways that can end is you falling off or you regaining control of the horse. You fell off. It was horrible to witness and even more horrible for you. You only wound up with two bruises but your trust in horses was compromised. At the end of it all, you only remember going around the arena 1-2 times. You actually went around and around and around. As the one who is supposed to protect you and care for you, it broke my heart that I was helpless in that situation. I wanted so badly to do what you were asking: “help me”. Oh, I’m still not over it. At any rate, you’ve been put on less feisty horses which has delayed your progress and development there. I’m not sure where this is all headed but I know dad wants to see you get to the point where you’re riding English and at least completing one successful jump.

School is going well too – you’re a really great student and you get frustrated when other kids are being distractions from what you’re supposed to be focused on. At the parent/teacher conference, the teacher said you’re one of her best students. You’ve also really improved in your listening skills (we don’t get notes in your Communications Journal – CJ anymore stating that you’re talking too much in class). I’m so proud of you and your ability to manage high performance in school while also doing your extra-curricular activities. You’re even teaching yourself piano!

You’re also continuing to grow into a young lady. For the first time, you asked me to turn around and not look at you when you were trying on clothes in a dressing room in a store. That broke my heart a little. You have had trouble remembering to wash your face at night before bed so I invited you to do it together with me (so we can hold each other accountable) and it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. I really enjoy teaching you the little things you need to know as you grow up!

The main trip we took so far was a trip to Legoland California for Rodeo Break. It wasn’t the best of weather but you and Evan enjoyed yourselves. We also spent a night on Mt Lemmon at a stargazing event, thanks to Santa! That was loads of fun – and we did a few other day-activities for Spring Break!

Here’s your life in pictures right now….

This is the way you dress for school every Thursday (horseback riding day)!

Hotel breakfest before games in Phoenix!

Futsol in Phoenix!

Between games!

Extra practices came in handy!

We are at Naranja park almost daily for soccer!

Ready to watch Evan play!

Between games at Kino during Jacob's Classic - that's the tournament your team won!

Your teammate, Eva, joined us!

100th day of school!

Always you in a shoe store or shoe section!

At a friend's birthday party!

Still walking! When we can!

Helping out at Evan's game!

Valentine's box - a Yeti! Dad's favorite!

Legoland California!We stayed in the Castle hotel!

A cool walk while our pool was heated!

Making cake pops with Dad!

It snowed right before you went on a school field trip to the zoo! So naturally, I woke you both up early to play before school! THREE inches in Tucson is just unheard of!

Sibling love!

Not a bad setting for the park that we're always at!

You're always happy to see us at school - you're waving to Dad here!

Zoo field trip! Dad tagged along!

Oh my!

UofA SkyNights on Mt Lemmon - watching the sunset!

Fishing for spring break!

Dad caught a rainbow trout!

Huge telescope!

Royal's baseball game over spring break!

Watching a soccer movie with your American Girl doll in her soccer uniform!

I can't stop you!

Fuel before riding!

Random ice cream trip - up to Lick's in Catalina (the best)!

Breakfast with Dad!

Ready for your last tournament of the season!

Quick stop for your school show before going back to soccer!

Ice cream break!

Your team came in second in the tournament - you all did so great! This was the CDO Challenge Cup!

Some more pics from the tournament you won - Jacob's Classic!

Testing out Funtasticks for your birthday!

Ft Lowell Shootout - you guys did so great in the Olympic events!

Gold in penalty kicks!

Getting an extra practice in with Dad! You can't get enough soccer!

I can't believe how much I've seen you grow in such a short time period. You're gaining such experience and talent that it's hard to keep up with. You're also learning new emotions as you navigate ups and downs with your friends. That is actually hard to watch but you're figuring it out. I love you so much, my Bave.

All My Love,

Mom