And Second Grade Is Off And Running!

 My Dearest Evan,

My precious, handsome not-so-little boy. Evan, you have had a jam-packed start to the new school year! You started school early - on July 31! And your teachers are telling us that you're quite the charismatic individual.....you "run" the friend group during recess and you're very open to letting anyone and everyone who wants to play, play in that friend group. Your teachers often call on you to help get someone involved in playing with others. Sometimes this leads to miscommunication or you have had to learn that when it's just you choosing the games and rules, others feel left out, but you're learning and leading all the same. 

You've had some ups and downs already with your school work. You started out great but when Dad pulled back on his engagements and the teachers started expecting you to learn by listening, you didn't do so well. I explained that you're a visual and experiential learner and Dad re-engaged and you're doing great again. You have FINALLY found a chapter book you like, "A Wolf Named Wander" so we bought all the other books in the series. I wouldn't say you like to read but you're into the story, for sure. I describe you as more of a "maker" when I talk about what you like to do. You're always cutting up cardboard or making decorations or race cars or whatever your choice for the day is. You're very inventive and it's what you choose to do on your own time. 

We just started really focusing on teaching you about making mistakes and that being ok. You're learning and trying out how to say I'm sorry, I made a mistake to recover from the situation and learning that that's the sign of a strong individual. It's hard, especially at 7 years old, but we're working through it.

You've started back up in rock climbing club and hockey - and we get you in extra ice sessions in Phoenix whenever we can. You've also gone to a UofA women's game a really liked that. You're so much better this year - making a lot of goals and defensive moves too. I think your teammates frustrate you because when you pass it to them, they don't act on it yet - but I've told you to keep passing it because they need the practice to understand what to do with it.

You still like to talk a lot - you like to play "would you rather" or "what's you're favorite" and you like to start a conversation with "guess what?!" - while sometimes you have a tendency to not tell the truth, you're learning that that doesn't get you many friends that want to play with you.

We just got back from Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland for Fall Break and you had a great time. You went as Wyatt from the Zombies 2 Disney movie and park employees recognized you! It was fun making your costume with you this year!

Here's your life in pictures right now:

Hockey is life!

First day of second grade!

Treats at the Korean market

K-State game!

Hockey team pics! Behind the scenes!

Roadrunner's mascot at their season start fan fest

Ice cream for good grade improvements!

You were Captain Mickey for one of the days at Disney and everyone loved it! You were captain of all the rides!

Sitting right next to the penalty box for NAU during the UofA Women's Hockey team

Driving Grandma Gail - but you can't see over the wheel!

You got moved to a tougher scrimmage and immediately volunteered for goalie! Let's just say that being goalie isn't quite your skill set yet

Climbing like a champ!

Exploring the park with me while Avery tries out for ODP!

Gotta get a pic with Willie!

First day of school!

A friend's back to school pool party!

Spit your gum out and tell me where we're going!

You liked riding in the front of Tiana's Bayou ride

Meeting Dad's hero and doppelgänger - the Red Guardian!

Driving Avery!

Mickey and Minnie fun, of course!

The BIGGEST Disney store we've ever seen!

Oogie Boogie Bash parade!

Ant Man and Ms Mar-Vel - you talked their ears off!

Web Slinger ride!

With Thor, doing a re-enactment

Cameraman at one of Avery's games

Squeezing in a golf session with Dad!

And fishing to boot!

You still like opening up stores

And today you joined me on a run - with your scooter!

Take a knee....on the ice!

Grandma and you - you were such a great grandson the entire trip!

Talking to the Mandalorian and Grogu!

With me this time on Tiana's

Heading to Disney!

You were in a dance-off with Star Lord!

Sweet treats for my sweet boy!

Avengers Assemble!

Impromptu Parade!

Oogie Boogie!

Smuggler's Run ride - you were a great pilot!

So many fun things coming up for you too - more Hockey and Halloween fun as well as your birthday! We're also planning a trip for spring break that can't get here fast enough! And you're learning really well how to be a good person. I love the time we get to spend together.

All My Love,

Mom