Wow, I'm sorry. I went the entire calendar year of 2011 without updating your blog. For that, I am sorry. I guess there was too much to do and not enough time. Ok, that excuse won't work. Since I am your father, I can't give you an excuse that you cnot use on me.
So, let me summarize the year in review for you.
2011, the year that was. For the majority of the year, you were 6. Grade one was a success. However, I am pretty sure they don't fail people anymore, so you made it to grade two witout any problems. You began the year, illiterate. By the end of school, you were reading quite nicely. When December cam around, you were probbaly reading closer to a grade 4 level.
Life with your brother moved along fine. You were a good little helper, helping when necessary, taking care, realizing that he was still a baby. Although he learned to walk in the spring, slowly but surely, he became a little playmate for you.
From being an almost total pylon in the fall of 2010, by the end of the skatng season, learn to skate paid it's dividends. You bacome one of the 'faster' skaters out ther on the ice. Turning and stopping were an other issue, however your natural athletic prowess began to pay off.
Gymnastics continued, you enjoyed that for the most part. So much, that you wanted to go again in the fall. Soccer again, was a summertime favorite. The 'pack' mentality is slowly fading as the age group gets older, soccer begins to look like more of a sport instead of a bunch of little girls running round together in pursuit of a ball.
During the summer we laid low. It was not overly hot, not very wet, just a typical summer. Horseback riding continued. I think there may have been a horse camp involded somewhere in there too. I don't remember with all due respect. One day you'll understand.
Ringette was the sport you enjoyed most. You started in September. I finally discovered the dreaded Sunday morning 7am practise from a parent's perspective. We attended all your games, and most of the practises. You quickly figured out the rules, and became a team player. We learned a little later on that you were probably one of the oldest on the team. I don't know if that is why you looked better than most, but your giving attitude was evident amongst your teammates. Just a little note for the future as the level of competetiveness rises. When you afre open in front of the net with the ring....SHOOT!. No need to pass off to the other teammate.
Horseback riding trickled off. Not sure why, perhaps it was behaviour, maybe financial, but definitely because of time. There are only so many hours in a day, and you are definitely a busy girl. Gymnastics continued in the fall, after schools on Wednesday's. Unfortunately, I feel you were deprived in this. Your mom could never attend due to work. I droped you off, then scrambled home to make supper, only to rush back to pick you up. We gave you the option to continue in the winter, but with ringette, and Mario Kart, you declined.
Your social circle was still alive and well. Sydney, Autumn, Alex and others dominated. Whenever Sydney came by, Dylan wa snot far behind. This year, invite's to the Finley's pool started to happen. Once everyone realized that you were actually a good little swimmer. Jordan started showing his age, and the new girl on the street took him away from you for just a little while. For the most part, sports, and outside kept you busy.
You had another horseback riding birthday party. That makes two now, and yes I am keeping track. School was going along well. You said goodbye to Stephanie as a babysitter, and hello to Angela. Vanessa was by twice a week to look after you and your brother. Alex sometimes had to remind you that he is an 11 year old boy who actually like to do just boy things. He did it a way where you were not hurt.
As the winter that never was set in, we didn't really do too much. Christmas came and went. Mario Kart Wii and Nintendo 3DS invaded your life. You started off as a Mario 3ds girl, but then quickly became a Mario Kart Girl. Games from the past were no longer as intriguing. I thought you might be able to finally find your rhythm with Just Dance 3, unfortunately, it may have been a fad. Monster High dolls were all the rage. You were more intrigued by owning them all instead of playing them. Unfortunately, I was the only one that felt that way, and others kept buying them for you.
I think we got your shoe count down to 13 pair at the front door, only down from 15 pairs the year before. Regardless, it's a step in the right direction. Speaking of outerwear, we seemed to have less fights about clothing this year. You finally understand the difference between the seasons.
The year of the iPod touch probably best summarizes this year. That was a gift for you mother the Christmas of 2010. Surprisingly, you seem to navigate it best amongst all members of the family. Then agan you use it the most. You figured out Skype, and now facetime. Texting...who needs a cell phone when you have WiFi right? Your hair grew long. You still have a mean streak I can't figure out. For the most part, you had a pretty good year. A couple of oops with electronics, but other than that no major injuries. There was that week at Christmas where we all go pretty sick. That wasn't much fun.
Your baby teeth continued to come out. The tooth fairy was busy for a while, but then you seemed to forget about her. Your orthodontic journey began in the fall. You were a trooper for wearing it as often as you did. I wasn't too impressed about replacing it after finding it under the rear wheel of the van, but hey, it's just money right? Well, if I remember correctly, you bought the second one. :)
In summary, you were a typical social, highly energetic, smart, beautiful, well balanced youg girl. You love to keep your mind busy. For a while, I thought you were going on 13...not 7.
You are bcoming a wonderful friend and helper to your brother. I don't know what else to say. I will upload the year in pictures one of these days. I promise. I think I just figured out, it is easier to do this more often the every 16 months. Too much to write, too much to remember.
One thing I will remember for a long time is that one morning, playing Mario Kart Wii before school. Don't ask me why, maybe just because it was not too long ago. I was having a coffer, hanging with Matt. You hald completed all of your gold medals in all levels, I don't think I helped with any. Let's be honest, you kick my butt anyways. All I remember is watching you whip off a triple gold star performance on the shell course. I stil can't believe it happened in front of my eyes. You did it like a boss. Anyways, I love you, and will write more soon.
Dad
