My Dearest Avery,
You started school at the beginning of August and you didn't miss a beat even in the new school. You're in Cross Middle School right now, which is a school we open enrolled you in but it's still a public school in the area. It's highly rated for the school culture and has a high teacher retention rate, which is why you chose it. Your school work doesn't seem that daunting although the grading system has taken some time to get used to. You're good at working towards excelling in each class, although you get frustrated sometimes with your art work. One of your teachers has a bunch of classroom animals which you love to go see before school starts.
You started the year hanging out with Gabby, a friend of yours who also did Leman and Basis with you. But you quickly gained other friends - the two you talk about the most are Beth and Amy. You three are going to be the Sanderson Sisters for Halloween; you're Sarah Sanderson. This school has what I would consider a more diverse background of students with differing home life situations and a wider range of interests so I think that's been good for you to experience.
You just finished the first quarter with all As and now you're going to be starting conversational Spanish as well as intramural soccer so we will see how all of that goes. So far, you're really liking Cross.
In other news, you like AJR so we went to go see them play at the Arizona State Fair recently. You also like saying some of the trendy quotes like "six-seeeeeven" or "I got you" - it's hard for me to keep up with it all ;) You say you're not sure if you have a crush right now but it could be between several boys. You're not big on sharing the details with me but that's ok. Did I mention you're fitting in a size 6.5 women's shoe?! When did that happen?!
You are still riding, getting your confidence and balance back on the horse. You also started the soccer season with your new team! You're a defensive center-mid (#6) and you're doing really well at it. You're learning how to play on a bigger field and how to distribute the ball successfully, as well as block the ball from coming even close to your box. When I asked you what your favorite thing about your new soccer team was, you said it was your teammates. You are really meshing well with them - some have tested you and some have really taken to you. Overall, there's definitely respect for you and what you bring to the team. You're good at giving out high fives and encouraging the team which is so important. You're also occasionally getting some special training from Coach Cynthia out of Phoenix. We think she's a better fit for your growth/needs and you have taken to her really well - I just wish she was a bit closer.
We just got back from Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland for Fall Break and you had a great time. You did end the trip with a little cold but hopefully on the mend now!
Here's your life in pictures right now:
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| Korean market - treat for working out in Phoenix |
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| ODP tryouts! |
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| Fun team pics! |
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| Your team won a tournament here in Tucson in September! |
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| Meeting Dad's hero and doppelgänger at Disney! |
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| Check out that Sanderson Sister! |
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| Driving me crazy! |
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| Chewy! |
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| Your seat-mate on the drive to Anaheim! |
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| Your favorite ride - Tiana's Bayou with Dad |
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| Riding as the sun is rising! |
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| First AZ State Fair experience! |
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| AJR! |
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| Evan's driving you! |
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| Getting ready for Star Tours! |
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| Doing a re-enactment with Thor! |
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| Web Slingers! |
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| Oogie Boogie Bash parade where a vampire dancer scared you! |
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| Playing in the BIGGEST Disney store we've ever seen! |
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| Mickey and Minnie of course! |
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| K-State football game! You were actually not happy to be there :( |
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| Getting your silhouette at Disney! |
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| Camping in the blue room! |
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| First day of school feels! |
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| Successful first day! |
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| Forgot to mention that we also redid your room to a big girl's room somewhere in between everything else! You got a wallpaper accent wall, a new dresser, new desk and new bookcase. I think you're good for a while! |
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| The Mandalorian and Grogu! |
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| First funnel cake! |
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| Sometimes I still get to have you come with me on my runs/walks! |
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| Zamboni happiness at the Roadrunners season opening fan fest |
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| Oogie Boogie - you asked him where Jack was! |
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| Avengers Assemble! |
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| Impromptu parade fun! Lots of villains! |
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| Smuggler's Run - you and Evan were great pilots! |
Oh my dear, I'm not sure how we could fit another thing in but we're having the best time helping you grow into the best human being! Love seeing you mature, even if it feels like it's happening too fast. We've got some fun things planned coming up, including ODP pool training/tryouts and some tournaments as well as a big trip in the spring. So much to look forward to!
All My Love,
Mom
