In many ways, this seemed like the longest school year ever. Masks all day every day, e-learning, in-person learning, hybrid learning, limited activities, no lunch visits, being a classroom parent from a distance. Yet the last day of the year has arrived quicker than we all expected!

Avery took middle school by storm! She was fearless as she jumped into a new schedule, new classes, athletics, and orchestra. We’ve loved watching her come into her own as she conquered difficult school subjects, tackled technology, made new friends, and maneuvered her way through her first year of middle school. Her teachers couldn’t have been more loving and supportive. They all brought so much to her education, and each of them was just what she needed in her classes. Avery is bringing home a handful of awards today too! We’re so thankful that the awards program was available online so we could cry in private over how proud we are of our Avery Joy.

I can’t believe that my baby is finishing first grade! Damon is so laid back and always goes with the flow, so he had no problems adjusting to everything this year threw at him. He still loves math, and we’re so grateful that his beloved teacher, Mrs. Fox, recognized his gift for numbers and did her best to grow his math skills. She often told us that Damon was a great helper in her room. We’re just as proud of his citizenship as we are of his academics! Damon struggled with a “mean boy” in his class this year, but he learned some life lessons through the experience. Second grade had better watch out because here comes Damon!

I ended last year’s post with a hopeful wish that the school year would be normal. That was a pipe dream because this was the strangest school year ever! But we’re all stronger and better for it. And I’m still hoping that next year will be normal!

Last day of sixth grade and first grade