A great year

I am happy to say that Avery was very happy with her Christmas presents, even though they weren't exactly what she asked for.  We got to visit with lots of folks and enjoy our little break.  As we head into another long weekend for New Years we have plans to hang out with her bestie for a movie.

It really has been a great year, but it's gone so fast.  As we head into 2023 I suspect it will go even faster as we register for Kindergarten and all those things.  I intend to reserve some quality time with her before school gets into full swing.  It is a wild ride, but she's the best.

Santa Baby

Santa and I have been in close communication the past few weeks.  Avery has been pretty consistent in what she has been asking for of him - as she was in past years as well.  He had a bit of a misfire with one item, but I hear that he was able to get the right one in, here we are just a few days before he flies.

Santa definitely owes this kid everything on her (short) wishlist.  She's the best.  So helpful and polite.  My only worry is that Avery has an extra dose of the people-pleaser nature that often causes me strife.  She does so many things that I think are rare for young kids (putting her dishes where they belong, picking up after herself w/o being asked, feeding the cat and dogs w/o being asked, etc) - but then she often says something to make sure I know she did it.  Perhaps it is just that one of her dominant love languages is words of affirmation and she's seeking them.  I will need to make sure her tank gets filled and see how she does with that.

Fall Fun

Girl has been having a big time so far this month.  She and I have taken off every Friday in October to enjoy the seasonal activities and have cut out a bit early a few days this week to enjoy company.

In September we enjoyed the Oktoberfest here in town.  So far this month we have hit the Houston Pumpkin Festival and their Halloween parade. We would have gone to the Hickory Apple Festival but the rain kept us away.  Instead we hit the apple orchard to get our 'supplies' for other activities (read:  applesauce!).

This week Aunt Jackie came to visit and Aunt Susanne stopped in for a few days.  We've been all about the games and fun.

She did go to her yearly dr visit and comes in at 44 lbs, 3'8" - she is in the 95% for both. Lots of changes in leadership at school going on too, but we're rolling with it.

Time flies, look who is 5!

 Where has the past month and a half gone.  Heck, where has the past 5 years gone?

It's true!  I have a 5 year old now.  She was off of school and I was off of work.  She got to decide what she wanted to eat all day and we went to the trampoline park for a bit of fun. There was time to play with our neighbor friends, time to open presents, and time to eat some cake.

This year's theme is, as previously mentioned, Batman.  The cake turned out awesome.  The colors and look is spot on to the inspo pictures I provided the bakery.  This year we went with Canonsburg Cake Company.  Taste wise, it is good - the icing is a bit grainy, but pleasing... at least to me.  Shockingly, she didn't like the cake.  I maintain that she tried the Batman logo, which was fondant and was turned off.

I will pick up the cupcakes tomorrow for her party with friends and family on Saturday. Right now it looks like the weather will cooperate - no rain and in the lower 80s.

What else have we been up to?  As I mentioned, time is flying, but there has been a few trips to the pool and a few trips to the trampoline park to mention.  We have also been caring for a foster kittie family!  Her Pre-K2 year has started this week as well.  She is in Miss Donna's class with some of her old friends and a few new names (new to me at least).

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.

Trophy Child

She did it!  Avery has her first trophy (for her dance recital).  She is proud of it and took it to school today for show and tell.  She did dance, thank goodness she didn't freeze up.

Last night we cuddled for a little while and watched various videos from the last 4 1/2 years.  How she has grown and evolved.  She continues to make me so happy and proud.  Time needs to slow down, it is all slipping through my fingers.

End of the Year

While Avery isn't in "school" we are definitely getting a taste of the end of school year activities this year.

Her first dance recital is on Sunday  I have to admit, I'm glad the dance season is over.  I'm not sure if we'll have the over the top gal or the run and hide gal on that stage.

The paper came home, she moves to the Pre-K 2 class on the 13th... you know, as the current class "graduates" (gowns and all).  I can't believe next year that will be her.

We did get out and about with her best buddy at the trampoline park and swimming the weekend before last.  We also went swimming at town park for the first time this year -- here's to another year with a season pass.