Bigger Girl

It has been a big summer for Ava. Not only has she learned how to ride a two-wheeled bike but she has also learned how to swim. That's right, she's a full fledged dog-paddler who can float. I'll tell you it's a relief to know she can swim on her own to the edge of the pool. She can climb our rope swing all the way up to the sky too! The thing about Ava is that she likes a physical challenge and she always has since she was a baby. She may have cried after falling off her bike and getting scrapped up and protested getting into a cold pool on a foggy evening but she she is completely undeterred from learning something physical. I've really enjoyed seeing her embrace a challenge, take it head on and say YES! I want to learn and I'm strong enough to do it.

She has also learned more about friendship and I know this will be a constant journey for her. Sadly, Ava has had a bunch of friends move away this summer and others will soon too as their parents move out of the Bay Area for other opportunities. Plus other little friends making the jump to kindergarden has made her feel a little left behind. We've fielded a lot of questions about "why" and "when will I see them again?" Chin-up little girl, you will always have friends and be loved. As we all learn, friendships have an evolution all of their own.