Yesterday, the kids and I headed to the Dallas Arboretum. Kenny was with Gordon and Kelly for a much needed (and deserved) guys weekend. If you have never been to the Dallas Arboretum, it is something to behold. The place is what I imagine a slice of heaven to look like. In the spring, the tulips and daffodils are unbelievable. In the fall, they have a couple hundred thousand pumpkins with the most beautiful fall flowers. They have fountains and lakes, giant pirate ships for the kids..I could go on and on. Yesterday, my favorite part was just sitting on a bench near a stream, watching Avery run and plan in a huge open field surrounded by pumpkins and flowers. As a kid it must feel so freeing to just run and run. I had a real wake-up call yesterday. They place was buzzing with people, all dressed up in costumes and adorable fall clothes. The mother's were eager to snap photos while the dads relentlessly tried to get the kids' attention. The poor kids..was all I could think. It made me realize how ridiculous I must have looked over the years. So instead of stressing and trying to get the perfect shot, I just focused on trying to play and have fun. What a concept, eh? I know, I am a genius. I ended up with some photos of the kids that I treasure. Seeing Andrew and Avery interact just kills me. She is a great big sister...and dotes on him..but he has no problem putting her in her place. It is really funny...even though Avery doesn't always think so. :)
I met with Avery's Kindergarten teacher this past Friday. Avery is doing great. She had no concerns except that she as a teacher was struggling to find ways to challenge Avery while helping the other students as well. I was very torn with approaching the subject...I didn't want to come off like my child is so smart she is bored in your class...but I didn't want to ignore the fact that Avery is sad that 'she never gets called back to the teacher's table'. I tried to explain to Avery that her teacher is working with the students that are trying to learn what she already knows. But that sounds just awful too. I don't want her to think that she knows everything because that is not the case. The truth is, she is a very bright girl...so I will constantly need to find new ways to challenge her at home too. On a side note, I tested Avery on the Dolch sight word list..which is 220 words that you should know how to read by the time you reach third grade. Yeah...she could read ALL of them. Amazing! And finally, on another side note...I cried during her conference...I CRIED!! I wanted to kick my own *butt* for that one. It seems like everytime I go to her school I get teary. It is just really hard to lose so much control over what goes on in your kids life..just like that! Poof! She is with you every second of the day...and then, BAM...you have no idea what is going on in her little world. I know they are taking good care of her...it is just hard to let go. And there you go...I cried at Avery;s first parent-teacher conference. I am officially a freak! :)
So I could go on and on...but I need to go and clean my house. Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog. We love you!
K2A3
