Kindergarten.

And just like that summer is over!  Our vacation at the end of July was amazing.  Avery and I had a blast at the beach -- literally, as we got to see a SpaceX launch from the beach.  We also loved our pre-cruise hotel and made many a circles around their lazy river.  The cruise itself was also fantastic, particularly getting to go to both Labadee and Cococay, but we also loved the port area in the Dominican Republic too.  I am very grateful for that quality time with her before the chaos that is school years commenced.

Speaking of school - we wrapped up at Up with Kids back on the 17th leaving a few days off where she got to sleep in, veg in front of the TV, and hit a few doctor appointments (dentist, chiro, and eye doctor).  We also had kindergarten orientation to attend.

The first day of school went well. To my surprise and her extreme pleasure she actually got a bus and not a van.  Did I cry?  Yep, you bet I did. I even cried the second day.  She did so well and popped on that bus looking confident.  She had green and blue stars for her first two days, so it looks like we're off to a good start.  She bought school lunch the first day (and came home excited that she got to pick between chocolate and regular millk) and packed the second day.

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.

She's crooked I tell you.

Her back that is.  I was washing Avery's back; she was leaning forward with her head bent down.  I could see the bones in her back and straight they were not.  I freaked out inside, I'm not going to lie.

Fortunately, our chiropractor got us in, even though neither of us have been there in prb 2 years.  No need for xrays etc, but they did adjust her.  She's was a wee bit sore last night and this morning.  We do go back again next week to make sure she's staying in place.  She did say she felt better ... and here I was not knowing that her back even bothered her!

Super duper officially a kindergartener

Today Avery had her graduation ceremony from Pre-K2.  She has the certificate, cap, gown, photos, balloons, and flowers to show for it.  Aunt Jackie is in visiting, which was perfect timing to be here for the big event.  Aunt Susanne and cousin Katie also came in for a few days, and Nonna and Nonno made the drive to participate.

All of the kids did a great job singing.  They also had a blast running around at the reception that followed.  Avery got photos with most of her friends.

So there you have it, she's ready to start kindergarten - and if you ask her she's ready to go tomorrow.  Slow down kid.

Catching up...

Avery had a blast on our vacation.  She will definitely remember the beach and cruising now.

We've been back for weeks at this point.  Those days have been filled with (outside of school) playing outside in the nicer weather, wrapping up dance for the year, and swim lessons.

She loved the swim lessons and successfully 'leveled up' - so she will be in the 'advanced beginner' classes come June.

Today (Mother's Day) she touched my heart with the home made goodies she made for me; but she drove it home at bed tie when she repeatedly wished me a Happy Mother's Day.  She truly is my everything.

It's all about the keratin

Avery and I went to get a pedi today - her first one!  She also got her nails painted.  We match with a beautiful sparkly blue.

Later in the day Avery got her third haircut and first one away from the person I have trusted.  It was time to get the ends tidied up.

Official

Last week Avery went for Kindergarten testing.  We received feedback promptly.  They provide a score on several individual skills and an overall readiness rating.  She had a raw score of 36/41, ranked at 80% in the national percentile and got a "R+".

Sunday and Monday of this week I worked to get an account and to fill out the school registration forms.  They are submitted and our registration fee paid... I hope that means it is a done deal?  Kindergarten, here she comes!