New Sports - Track and Swimming!

 I don't think I've posted about this yet, but you tried track this year! You mostly ran the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. What a scary thing to try - I can't imagine trying something like this when I was your age. You try everything and are great at everything!

Swimming really seems to be your strongest sport - Look at this video and how fast you swim the freestyle! I can't say enough about how impressed we all were by your swimming and commitment to the team. You swam Butterfly in every meet even though you didnt want to, but becasue you were the only one who could. And you won the "trooper" award at the end of the year as a result. You also won a super sea monkey award for being the most valuable team member in your age group!

Can't wait to see what you're able to accomplish next year - I really think this could be your thing, but time will tell...

I don't predict track will ever really be your thing, but its a fun and challenging sport and fun to watch you getting faster. 

Our Favorite Day of the Year :)

The father/daughter dance is always our favorite and we never miss it! This year it was at the Columbia Ballroom which had a very cool barn vibe. We had dinner with Anna, her dad, and a few of your other friends at Brew Garden.

We got to dance togehter once or twice but most of the night you were jamming with your friend on the dance floor.  I'll be so sad when these are over!!!

 

Check out these best buds!

The two of you still can't be separated. Sometimes you fight but most of the time you're absolute pals - walking arm in arm or hand in hand, laying on each other by the TV and doing everything together. You're a great sister and Benny is incredibly lucky to have you. You are patient with him and help him and he loves you so much. (A drop of water more)

 

Have we talked about basketball yet??

 Have to admit, I was a little surprised when you said you wanted to play basketball this year - I didn't even know 3rd grade basketball was a thing! Well, boy was I even more surprised when you had your first game and made a basket! You were one of the best ones on the court and scoring became a regular thing for you - I didn't score my first basket until 7th grade!!! The pride I felt seeing you play with such skill and confidence made me cry on the spot. 

Not sure what to call this

It's been a weird couple years. I haven't really been going to work - I've been working from home. I can't help but think that is confusing for you and Benny since I'm here a lot but can't spend that extra time with you. I'm thankful that we get to see each other A LOT more since I don't have to drive and I'm here when you get off the bus most days. But I just hope we all look back at this as a positive time.

I think my favorite part of the day is driving you and Benny to school. I like that time and that I get to spend a few extra minutes with you instead of you getting on the bus. We listen to Kids Place Live and I think it helps everyone start the day better. I know I'm hard on you guys in the morning some times, but its realllly hard to get you moving sometimes....

Christmas 2021

So just when things started getting back to normal, COVID started to surge again this winter. Mask mandates back at school and they even gave you a couple extra days at Thanksgiving break to try to slow things down. Mom and I haven't really liked that since there's really no good reason to have you both in masks. 

Anyway, I want to start a tradition with you and Benny to do a Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving. I got you both out to the track for a little bit this year, but I think we'll be ready for the real thing next year!

Later that day at Auntie's for dinner

This was "stories with Santa" at Holy Name high school. They still aren't doing breakfast like they used to, but it was fun to play some games inside the school and get some great pictures with Santa. Look how big you are on his lap 😢

I really wanted to do something special with you this year since last year was kind of a flop with COVID. So I took you to see A Christmas Carol downtown at a real play. It was really fun to get dressed up with you and take you on a "date." We met up with Benny and Mommy for dinner that night. 

Christmas Morning! Trying to think what the biggest presents were this year. You got an American Girl doll, LOL Surprise doll and Benny got a big gumball machine and Spiderman remote control car. But the biggest surprise was.... a trip to Disney! More to come on this later :) 

Got out for some skiing around the New Year