We wrapped up our summer being able to visit with some family. Finally after a year and a half (thanks COVID) we got to see my little sister, brother-in-law and sweet niece, Janessa! The flew up to NH from Texas and the kids finally got to play together and we were able to take day trips, ride on Pappy's boat and play games. We ended the week with a visit to the aquarium. It was Ollie and Janessa's first time there! It was a lot of fun watching the kids play together. Especially watching Ollie be a big cousin. Of course the week came and went way too fast. Thankfully they will be back home to visit for Christmas.
I have always been in awe with Avery's kindness and big, big heart. She comes up with the kindest words and the best ideas. About a year and a half ago, right before COVID, we celebrated my great-grandfather's 100th birthday. Avery has met him a few times. I brought her down to see him and my great-grandmother just after she was born (it's not too often you have five generations with one person let alone two!) and a couple of other times for short visits during vacation/holidays. She does not remember those visits but boy does she remember his 100th birthday. She was so excited to celebrate him and could not believe that he was turning 100. It really stuck with her. Then of course COVID happened and she had a really hard time not being able to see family, especially those far away.
Well recently she insisted on visiting him. We had what I like to call the "sweet spot". We had about a week before I had to go back to work and Avery had gymnastics camp then school beginning. It was right before COVID numbers really started to rise again too. So my mom and I took the kids and drove down to Pennsylvania for a couple of days for a quick visit. We got to see my great-grandfather (their great-great-grandfather!) for 2 one hour long visits. It was just enough time for him to play with the kids, read with them and chit chat. He lit up when the kids were talking to him and showing him their toys. The kids were so good with him; gentle and kind. Gave him hugs and loved reading their books with him. It was wonderful. We also got to see GG, my grandparents and some of my uncles, aunts and cousins. The kids loved seeing family and playing with their cousins. It really was a perfect trip. The kids were the best travelers; with the long car rides and the in and out of our car with multiple visits. They had a blast and really enjoyed it. The best part was it was all Avery's idea. My little 5 year old. The one with the heart of gold. She really does amaze me.
Now my little 5 year old is officially a kindergartener. She is LOVING school. She has met new friends, she is riding the bus like a big kid and she is really blossoming already. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for her. She comes home proud, happy and excited for more. The best part is, in spite of everything going on (the virus, wearing masks, fighting to keep her safe and healthy), she is positive, vibrant, a ray of sunshine. She wears a mask because she knows no different. Which is sad, but our reality. She wears it because she knows she can do her part and make a difference. She is not expected to wear one at school but she still does. I never would have guessed her first year in school would look like this but here we are. It’s amazing how resilient children can be if you let them.
