The Adventures of Stinky Stein: October 2023

My Dearest Avery,

Where does the time go? Somehow you're a fourth grader now! We finished off the summer by doing a UofA soccer camp, taking a trip to Kansas City to visit family and putting you and Evan in the hottest ever soccer camp here in Tucson. You started school and it's your first year with a locker, which you were so excited about! The soccer season has started and you have a new riding instructor, Kim. We took a small trip to San Diego over Labor Day and we're about to head to Disneyland with Grandma and Pop for their Halloween festivities!

In soccer, you're probably the best on the team. You and most of your teammates are doing a lot of growing into the sport. Coach Chris is working to get you all more comfortable with different positions so you're not always a winger. We have trackers that we put on your shoes to help you see your progress and your weaknesses (they're pretty cool).

In horseback riding, Kim pretty quickly got you back on Annabelle, the horse you fell off of. You were so nervous and not confident at all. Kim taught you how to Woah and she also taught you how having the right posture and your heels down impacts how the horse responds to you. What a difference it has been! You ride with your arms out (not holding onto the bridle), eyes closed, feet out of the stirrups. You ride until your legs are numb from holding the positions Kim has you hold. And last week you rode bareback! You are way more confident and sometimes you don't even realize how far you have come in just a few short months. Everyone calls your trainer "Crazy Kim" and I would have to say they're right. I hold my breath every time I see you ride but there's no denying the improvements we've seen!

In school, you're crushing math and history and you were the fastest girl in the pacer test in gym (got a 39 when others mostly got around 20). English is another story. I think we're in the C-range right now. This is not for lack of trying - we study with you (mostly Dad) and work hard. You hardly ever watch tv or are at home with nothing to do (you still have chores and plenty of homework). We've found that reading comprehension is difficult for you. You also struggle to follow the directions. Your Dad and I struggled with reading comprehension too so we totally understand your struggles. We'll get through it, like always. You're also in a tough school - Basis is known for pushing students harder and faster than other schools. It's certainly picked up in fourth grade!

You wanted to wear your soccer uniform for school pictures this year but I wouldn't let you. You really disliked me for that and normally I do let you express yourself through your photos but I couldn't send you in that uniform for one of the only times you need to look nice for school. You may still be mad at me about that.

You're starting to interpret the world more logically and make your own inferences about how things work. You know when to approach Dad or me about something, you know what is unfair, and you have started to try to make reasonable arguments. You also try sarcastic jokes - sometimes they're great and sometimes you miss but it's fun watching you try!

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

New place near us called Nautical Bowls! So good!

DBacks Game! I got to join this time!

You "broke" your wrist while playing at a trampoline park for Vivian's birthday. You were not happy that day.

Outtakes from June's Arsenal camp!

July 4th at home!

In Kansas City, cleaning up all the small branches at Grandma and Pop's house.

Good quality time with Cousin Emma!

Oh my daughter, how I value my time with you!

Like a champ!

Fishing at Grandma and Pops! Last time before they move!

Kansas City Federal Reserve. A hidden gem!

Lift that gold bar!

Can't go to KC without visiting Fritz's!

Love the KC Science City!

Summer ice cream on the lake!

Deanna Rose before we head to the airport (saw the new terminal at MCI)!

Our family pictures from Cape Cod came in!

La Liga summer camp!

Locker setup for school!

Evan's flag football team had an opening ceremony!

Evan's biggest fan!

First day of school!

You're doing futsal now too! You'll play in a few tournaments this year!

Forced family fun!

First day gitters!

Look at that athlete!

Free Basis family night at the rock climbing place!

San Diego!

Padres game!

We have beautiful views from the field where you and Evan practice in the evenings!

You're so fun to watch!

San Diego Wave game! I have to mention how significant this is....when Dad and I were growing up, we never would've been going to a Women's Professional Soccer game. It just didn't exist! On this night, there were over 24,000 fans present to watch Alex Morgan and the team! And the team shop was so packed they had a line to get in! Women in Soccer has come a long way - I love that for you!