Brianne,
Much like the year before and the year before that, I still haven't a clue as to where the time as gone. From turning six to graduating Kindergarten, you've made significant strides this year. It amazes me at how much you've completed this past year and I really can't begin to fathom what you may get involved in next year! But I'll try not to get too far ahead of myself, as if anything, let this be my last attempt to hold onto 2016 for a bit longer.
We started the year, as we do since the day you were born, with your birthday. You turned 6 and you were excited. I pleaded, I prayed, and I tried my best to stop you from growing another year older, but to this day that is still something I cannot do. My little baby girl, my first born, she is growing up, faster than what I could have imagined. But with your growth, you are becoming a much more capable person. You routinely make your own breakfast, get your own drinks, and are generally pretty good about cleaning up after yourself by placing your dishes in the sink. If this were not enough, you've shown great nurturing skills by also assisting your brother, helping him get his breakfast, and his drinks. You have no idea how glad this makes your Mother and I. We actually get to sleep in! And the best part? All of your cousins are still years away from this feat, so we get to gloat about it!
We really do appreciate your willingness to be the older sister, a person Keaten can learn things from, and that you continue to take time out of your schedule to play with him. You have your battles with each other, albeit small ones, but you each take time out to show you still care for each other and that you enjoy being around each other. That makes your Mother smile, a lot. You should definitely take advantage of this time with your brother while he still needs your help. That day will soon pass and he'll start to become more independent and will no longer need you to assist him. Take this time to do it. He might not fully appreciate it now, but I assure you, one day he will. Also, don't just help him with breakfast or drinks, but school!
I cannot believe how smart you have become. You are reading books that are level H (yep, I know you've completed at least one) and that is crazy considering in Kindergarten they wanted you to reach level D! You took to your Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Dwyer, really well and you accomplished everything you set your mind out to do. Then there is First Grade, First Grade!
It didn't feel like fall was just around the corner when you started First Grade. I remember going to your orientation thinking, "Is it really time to start First Grade?", and wondering how you would handle it, new classmates, new teacher, harder subjects, but you took to it without any issue. You waltz right in on that first day, your head held high, ready to take on the day. It amazes me how much you have learned and you are only half way done! What amazes me even more is your willingness and eagerness to learn.
I thought you might have a bit of trouble jumping back into reading, or at the very least jumping into harder reading levels but you haven't. You didn't even flinch and when you accidentally brought home a harder level than you were supposed to, you took the challenge and completed it with ease! It isn't purely reading in First Grade, but Math as well. Your ability to add, subtract various numbers using multiple techniques has been a lot of fun to watch.
There is however, one thing that I'm not too thrilled about. Spelling. You are able to figure out words your Mother and I spell to each other! This is not good. I'm not ready for this! It used to be we could spell words to each other and you'd be clueless to what we are talking about, but now, you are able to catch on, see the letters and figure out the word we are conveying to each other. Now your Mother and I must find new ways to discuss things when you are in the room, or around the corner, or even just within earshot although we are whispering! Have I mentioned that I'm not ready for this?! Because I'm not!
This summer, we had a blast. From hiking and playing putt-putt, to swimming, biking, spending time at Auntie Amber's, and so much more. My favorite was spending 4th of July at Red, White and Boom on the Grange parking garage. It was a blast and being able to experience that with you and see the glow in your eyes as the fireworks went off. It was just a fabulous experience and one I'll remember for years to come. As it is with every year, summer felt way too short.
Oh and then there is cheerleading. Cheerleading was a big step for you. You branched out of your comfort zone, marched onto the football field (and basketball court) and cheered to a crowd of strangers. You put your shyness to the side, cheered your heart out and you loved every minute of it! I'm not convinced I'm ready to see you as a cheerleader yet, but I know you are convinced of becoming one some day (just realize this fight isn't over, young lady!). In the end, I'm sure you will win out, as let's face it, you have my heart on your little finger and you have had it there since they day you wrapped your tiny fingers around one of mine. That may have been 6 years ago, but to me, it was yesterday. You've shown such strength, such determination, and motivation through the cheer camps. They pushed you to learn routines and cheers within a week and you took it on head first. When you had your doubts, it simply took a small pep talk and you were ready! Bask in the feeling you have when you are on the field or on the court. Remember those emotions. You are capable and you have determination. Don't fret over what others think, just do your best and those emotions you had on the field and court will return. Give it your all.
Brianne, I've really enjoyed this past year. The new things you have learned, the independence you are starting to show, your caring attitude, your energy, it has been a fun year. As much as I do not want you to grow up, I'm really happy with the type of person you are becoming. My goal for you over the next year is to find ways of encouraging you to stay this type of person. To help your caring, energetic, nurturing characteristics continue to grow and receive the attention they so well deserve.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
