End of Sixth Grade!

My Dearest Avery,

Today we got back from a great adventure to Europe! We went to Italy and Greece! So I wanted to try to sneak in a message to you before I do a special post on that trip.

You finished SIXTH grade this spring, which included you trying track and field (4x400, 800, 1600 and long jump were your events) and recovering on your grades in all your classes (a few sick days added up and we worked with you on a way to keep track of your assignments better). 

Outside of school, you tried out for a new team this year, at RSL with coach Flores. There's a lot going on with soccer - they are changing the age ranges for each team so now it's by grade instead of birth year. It's also the first year your age group is eligible for an 11x11 field (you've been playing 11x11 because you've been playing a year up). That means at your club, FC Tucson, you'd be eligible for Girls Academy and probably the "best" team in Tucson - and they wanted you for sure. BUT, it also meant playing under Coach Alejandro, who we intentionally avoided last year and don't really enjoy as a coach (he's got a phenomenal record but it seems he doesn't have a heart for the girls and he's more focused on supporting the great talent in his daughter as a striker - also, unlike other coaches, he just assumed you'd be his mid-fielder on GA this year without ever talking to us or you about it). So, you tried out for RSL and Surf and decided on RSL with Coach Flores. And I must say, it's been wonderful so far. You've attended practices with the next year up, he's really attentive to you as an individual player and he wants you to play for both your team and the next year up next year. That next year up team happens to be playing in Nationals right now in Virginia (DPL) so I'd say they're doing pretty well in their own right. Of course, you also did ODP soccer camp right after school ended and you've been working on balance in horseback riding (riding with no hands). 

We also took a quick trip to Kansas City for your Uncle Adam's wedding and you've been doing Jet conditioning and sessions with Coach Cynthia too.

You like fake nails, jewelry, tracking everything about soccer (it's World Cup season) and you like watching comedies and comedians right now. You're a really great kid with an incredible heart.

Here's you're life in pictures right now...

Easter!

Look at your leg muscles!

Lemonade stand with Evan made you guys $80 richer!

We went to Physics day at the UofA and had a ball - you love science!

Your uncle's wedding! You had a lot of fun with your cousins

Running with me in Kansas City!

Field trip to the zoo with Dad as a parent volunteer

Your team won the President's Cup! You all did really well as a team this year

Happy Birthday to our 12 year old! You had a sleepover with a few friends to celebrate

My Grandma Betty passed away right before Uncle Adam's wedding so we helped lay her to rest when we were up there. This is you guys adding lucky pennies to her grave.

Worn out from all our fun!

Got to ride Dixie again after her being out for a while. You love each other! You let Evan give her the treats after riding this time!

Your roommate at soccer camp (ODP) - your first time at overnight camp!

Avery, you are a smart, funny and wholesome girl. I really enjoy spending time with you and seeing you grow. You're starting to progress through puberty (your chest is starting to come in and I just had to show you how to shave your armpits) - and this makes me sad because you're growing up but I know it's my job to help you learn as you grow so I will keep trying to do that.

All My Love,

Mom