Summer 2024!

 My Dearest Avery,

I know I just wrote in May so this post may be shorter than other posts but I wanted to get back to the routine of writing at the beginning of each quarter. Also, there's been SO MUCH happening!

You wrapped up May by cleaning out the massive amount of stuff you had in your locker. You did the out and about project week so you were all over town doing hiking and trampoline park and other adventures. When school ended, we started doing some soccer work with your teammates who are moving over to FC Tucson with you, Eva, Gabi and Ellie. You also started a speed-focused summer improvement session (MWF throughout the summer). And you're still doing horseback riding - I think you're actually about to start jumping in your riding lessons!

Then I got to take you to space camp at Kennedy Space Center! This was so special because it was difficult to get into and you got to experiment with state of the art equipment and get a one-of-a-kind experience. You decided you would rather be Mission Control than an Astronaut because you get to tell the astronauts what to do (that's my girl!). You also made a new friend, Nora, who lives near the space center. The only disappointment of the week was 3 different attempts for a SpaceX Faclon 9 launch that never got off the ground. You were so disappointed, you were crying. I told you it just means we have an excuse to come back. 

At the end of June, we took a family trip to Port Aransas, TX with my side of the family. We all stayed in a lovely house next to the beach and you got some much needed cousin time. Now you're headed to San Diego Wave soccer camp in Carlsbad, CA. Dad and Evan are joining you this time while I stay back and hang out with Pascal (and work). That will be it for camps for you this summer but you'll still have speed trainings and some FC Tucson training sessions before school starts.

You're really starting to explore your emotions and moods more now. You share when you're mad or sad about something (sometimes it takes a while, but you eventually share). You love cuddling and hugs and kisses still (thank goodness). And you're sleeping in more - haha! You've also started facetiming with your soccer friends more, which is a lot of fun for you. You love to read and work on craft projects. Your chores are doing your own laundry, washing the dishes, picking up dog poop and cleaning your room (although you and I disagree on what "clean" looks like) - you do get paid for your chores so we talk about what value means to you when it comes to spending that money.

School starts in less than a month and you're excited to go shopping for school supplies. 

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

80's day during spirit week!

A one night stay at an awesome resort in Orlando before space camp - what a great water park!

Space camp hotel!

There was a night light that projected the stars around the room at night!

So cool!

This place was truly amazing - I didn't get to see it all but you did!

With your friend, Nora

Driving to the airport to go to Texas!

Love these pics of you!

To Texas!

With Benjamin!

We got family photos while in Port Aransas so a lot of these photos will be from that session

Love these pics of you - you're growing into a beautiful young lady!

Resort!

Riding! You're always hugging the horses!

Flying to Florida....with Rebecca, your doll!

Riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean together one day after camp!

The launch we THOUGHT would take off but it aborted at the last second

Waiting for the launch

Waiting for the launch again!

So much beach time this summer!

Still hustling!

Atlantis - this exhibit was so cool!

Pool time with soccer buddies.....and Evan, of course!

Lexington museum in Corpus Christi

Walking around near Cocoa Beach in FL.

Catching waves with Pop!

You got a medal too for helping with Evan's baseball team!

Oh Avery, we're seeing your emotional range grow so we're exploring that new territory with you. My only ask is that you stay open to bringing us along the ride with you so we know what's going on and we can work on helping you through the new feelings.

Can't wait to start a new school year with you!

All My Love,

Mom