The first and last past of this month was pretty similar to every other month with virtual learning I am really glad that I have been able to have volleyball practice. It is so good to be with my team and exercise and do what I love to do.
Our family went to see the VU Christmas lights. They were really amazing! There were so many of them and they were very creative and large! We got a bag of kettle corn at the end (which I can't eat-braces!) and Santa was at the end. Speaking of braces, I have about 3-4 more months left. I get the same color every time, a light lavender color. I don't complain much with them, but I really won't complain much when I get them off!
Our family took a trip to Washington the weekend before Christmas. We talked to Grandma Rose on her porch while she was behind the door and gave her Christmas presents. Next, we went to Papa Ron's and hung out on his back deck. It was a really nice day and I was able to open my gift from him-a book charm for my bracelet. Finally, we went to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Tom's. They cleaned out the garage and had a heater going so we could stay safe and warm. We were able to eat at separate tables and then got to visit with each other. We "exchanged" gifts and then headed home. It was a great day, but I really can't wait until things are back to normal and I can hug my family again!
The next day, we got ATHENA!!! It was so wonderful to finally see her and take her home! She is so cute and little. (She pees a lot and often and has been on several rounds of antibiotics for a UTI that we hope goes away soon.) Mom and I are taking her to puppy classes and she is really smart and learns fast. It is a dream come true to own a Golden Retriever! We love to play with her and Molly outside. They are so funny together. Aunt Lisa and Camille came to visit us and see her one day, and Jacob and Corinne came another day. I love to show her off!
We finally got out of virtual school and had two weeks off. It was really nice to not have to work on the screen all day, every day. I've been playing with Emily a lot more lately, and have even done a lot of Pokemon Go. I went to the park with Emily and Mom and even trade with Emily every once in a while. We have been playing a lot of new family games, namely Throw Throw Burrito and What Do You Meme? We have also done a lot of movie nights and at least half the nights, we have a "camp out" where I sleep in Emily's room. Lila was able to come over and hang out outside for a couple hours one day.
We did Christmas by Zoom this year, mostly. We Zoomed with Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Tom on Christmas Eve, and then with Nana Arden and Papa Rodney on Christmas Day while we opened our presents. There were so many presents here that is was overwhelming.
New Year's Eve was different this year too. Instead of getting together with the play date friends, we had a fun evening at home. We ate Lil' Smokies and Pizza pillows and played games. Then, the whole family spent about two hours decorating homemade sugar cookies. I haven't smiled and laughed like that in a long time. We even made it to midnight!
It was really hard to go back to virtual learning. I have worked so hard and have almost perfect grades (my lowest being a 99.96!) but I really miss being with my friends, and meeting my teachers and having the real middle school experience. Luckily, the school board voted for us to go back in a hybrid mode. This means that I will go to school with half of the students on Mondays and Tuesdays and then Zoom in on Thursdays and Fridays with independent work on Wednesdays like before. I wish Lila and I were on the same days.
Car time with Emily
Meeting Athena for the first time
Playing with Athena in the backyard for the first time
Playing Pokemon Go with Emily
