A day off

Memorial day, quite literally the start of summer.  This year it marks the last week of school.  Girl had a great weekend sleeping in, hanging out with her bestie and neighbor friends, and -- best of all -- not doing homework.  They've already brought home some books that we keep too.

I started to make a lunch for tomorrow, the next to last full day of school, and I had a moment.  I realized that as annoying as it can be on busy days to need to make a lunch and snack before I can call it a night - before I know it this will end.  For now, just for the summer, but at some point there won't be lunches to pack.

I am just a few days away from having a second grader.  That doesn't sound bad, but 8 is looming, half way to driving!  She's so tall and her voice is even changing.  She is, by far, not a little girl any more.  Slow down.

Getting things in order

After a few appointments not only is Avery's back looking better, but she's feeling better.

In the past few weeks we've been busy.  There was a Thursday trip to Kennywood w/ her bestie.  She had a blast!  She is also quite brave and was willing to ride everything that she was able to ride.

Last week she attended vacation bible school at the church where her daycare is.  She has talked about last year's VBS ever since, so I knew it was a win.  She again had a blast.  This week she is at summer fun week at our church.  I'm hoping they make it fun, but I suspect she isn't going to be impressed.  Let's put it this way:  1).  We pulled into the parking lot and she said "wait, it's at the church I don't like?"  2).  They do mass right at 8am.  The good news is this week is all day (from 8am-4pm) rather than half day like last week.

I tried to capitalize on the time w/ her last week in the afternoons.  We went to the pool a couple of times, where she got to play with some friends.  We also got her hair cut and had our nails done in prep for upcoming vacations.  Yesterday we capped off by hitting the pool again with her bestie.

Quality Time

The past so many days have been all about quality time with Avery's bestie, Luke.  We went to Idlewild a week ago and had a blast at the park and in the water area.  She is fearless on the rides. All was awesome until the very end of the day when she toppled on the swinging bridge and scuffed up both knees pretty good.  She's okay, but I was a bit worried as I ran up the tower what I was going to find.  We are pretty lucky as far as boo-boos go.  There haven't been too many so far.  *fingers crossed for the next 5 years*

This (long) weekend she got to hang out at his place watching fireworks last night.  Today they got to swim together.  Tomorrow is the town parade -- yep, together.  I adore his parents, so it is good quality time for me too.

Birthday party planning has begun.  We know 100% we want a Batman theme and I am pretty set on going to Simmon's farm.  I hope that the weather isn't scorching come the end of August.

It's a Monster!

Avery's best bud's parents invited us along to Monster Jam!  Avery has watched some on TV/phone and seemed to enjoy it.  Both she and her buddy love cars.

I wasn't sure how she'd feel about the earplugs, but being the always concerned Mom I had both my larger ear protection and the small ones that go in the ears to offer her as she preferred.  She did leave my larger protection on during the event.  Turns out they had part of a suite from work - so we were pampered, well fed, and able to have a few drinks.  The kids had a blast.  What more can you ask for?

Play Date

This past weekend Avery's best bud, Luke, came over with his parents for a play date and dinner.  They had a blast. She was so excited before he arrived she was vibrating.  Of course she was instantly all frowny after he left too.

I never expected to have one much less two near-three year olds running crazy in my house.  I certainly didn't expect to have that happen and enjoy every minute of it.

The feeling is mutual.

Last night during prayers Avery included Luke in her family list. She quickly followed it up with "I love him". I guess given my last post it only took her a little while to realize the feeling was mutual.

We also had Avery's dentist appointment yesterday. Fortunately her buddy Luke told her about his recent trip and she was psyched to go. We had a very good report and they indicated her teeth were very clean. Yay!

Final note -- the threes are hitting pretty hard. Avery's desire to do what she wants is pretty darn frustrating. Mostly I am sure because she's been so easy to this point.

Who loves you?

I tucked Avery into bed last night as we finished prayers. I told her God loves her and then said "who else loves you?" thinking she would respond "Mommy!" Nope. Instead she said "Luke!"

Best Buddies and Holidays

Avery's best buddy's Mom invited us to their neighborhood this weekend.  They had an ice cream truck coming to their community.  It was nice to see them play.  Boy were they happy to hear they were going to get to visit and even more so to see them spot each other.  We had a great visit and it made what would have been a lonely 4th of July a great time.  She was also able to do so much more at the little park all by herself.  They were up and down for the slide a bunch of times.

The neighborhood was going crazy last night with fireworks, including the folks across the street.  Avery wasn't too fond of the loud ones this year, but she was content to watch from the windows inside.