Dear Avery,
It is crazy to think that you are already 8 years old. You have grown up so much this year. Big kid status. You totally rocked second grade. You learned so much, worked really hard and made some awesome new friends. Thankfully you had the best teacher who allowed you to give her a million hugs (literally) over the course of the school year. You do give the best hugs after all. You are very affectionate, caring and kind. I am excited to watch you grow as a learner.
Not only was your school year successful, but you had quite a full year with sports. This was your first year playing competitive soccer. It was so much fun watching you learn how to play the game. Dad and I were amazed by your improvements from the fall season to spring season. I loved coaching you and your teammates. It was such a blessing to teach you and watch you and your teammates grow. I look forward to more soccer seasons with you. Your self confidence grew so much and it was so clear watching you on the field. One of my favorite memories is when you scored your first goal. You wanted to score a goal so badly for your birthday. Honestly, I wasn't sure you would score at all this season. I kept reminding you to work hard and do your best, but have fun and not worry if you score or not. Well, you blew us all away when you scored a fantastic goal in the Memorial Day Tournament (your birthday weekend). I felt so much joy in that moment. Not because you helped the team win (that was a bonus, of course) but because you wanted it so badly and you worked hard to get it. You earned it and I was so proud of you! I am excited to watch you grow as a soccer player.
You also excelled at skiing this year. You participated in your first ski development program with one of your favorite friends. You met a lot of other awesome friends there too because of your shared love of skiing. You became a more confident skier and enjoyed your first taste of ski racing. Dad and I loved being able to spend so much time skiing with you and your brother this winter, especially our last ski trip of the season when we all got to see the total eclipse. I am excited to watch you grow as a skier.
Lastly, gymnastics. Girl, you radiate passion when it comes to this sport. The amount of improvements you have made this past year have been mind blowing. The effort that you have poured into this sport this year has paid off. It has been so fun and rewarding to see you work hard and reap the benefits. I am beginning to learn the gymnastics lingo and enjoy watching you be a part of something that is completely your own. I grew up playing soccer, your dad grew up skiing and so we can teach you things and impart some wisdom. But gymnastics, that's something that we can just sit back and watch you conquer all on your own. And kid, you are rocking it. Next up is your first year of competition and you are so ready. I am excited to watch you grow as a gymnast.
The big theme this year for you has been self-confidence. It has just blossomed in you. You know who you are. You know you can do hard things. You know you are a great friend, an awesome sister, a wonderful daughter. You know you can light up a room by just being in it. You know when you do good, good things are done to you. I am so glad you are finding yourself and I hope that continues as you get older. I am excited to watch you grow as your own unique, beautiful (sometimes crazy!) self.
I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy 8th Birthday, Avery Lynn.
Love, Mom
