I was so unnecessarily concerned about how 13 would go. Thirteen was an amazing year. You are still the sweet and cool person we have been so fortunate to love for over a decade. You are incredibly funny and very thoughtful. I love to watch you think and hear your thoughts on the world (you have so many!).
While seventh and eighth grade were not your favorite years, you are finishing the middle/junior high years strong. We thought you would have an extra year of junior high but instead you now get to attend the brand new (not yet finished!) high school next year. You were able to balance advanced algebra, ELA, and history while also working really hard in band. You had to compete against ninth graders and were very fortunate to earn a spot in honor band. Band also allowed you to experience your first sleep-away camp in another state. You enjoyed the chance to gain some independence. This summer you will begin marching band and next year you are continuing in advanced classes (adding science to the mix) and are hoping to take art and French. It will be a whole new experience with block scheduled classes. You really missed art this year and it has become very clear that STEM/engineering is not a path you have any interest in pursuing, despite doing well in those classes.
Your summer included some really cool experiences, such as the Sandra Day O'Connor Civics camp at Arizona State. Traveling to Phoenix in June was not for the faint of heart but it was a great camp and it was fun to see another campus and get to check out ASU's law school. You remain interested in civics and social justice topics but you have not really wanted to pursue any leadership opportunities or community engagement. We also made it to Michigan this summer and enjoyed visiting family, seeing Lake Michigan, and escaping the summer heat. You also made the trek back to Kentucky when Mommy Alene passed away. We booked it there and back, driving 26 hours in four days, in order to return in time for the fall semester to begin.
You have really nice friends across several different groups and it has been good to see you branch out to new acquaintances while maintaining a core of several lifelong friends. You are learning to be supportive and a "girl's girl." This year provided you some tough learning experiences about how your actions impact others. I think this will help make you a better friend and kinder human, though I know it was a challenge. In general, mistakes and failures are still really hard for you, sometimes saying things like "it has to look perfect or else it's bad". We haven't faced romantic relationships, which is a bit of a relief for your parents. I suspect that's on the horizon for next year and I am hopeful that you know your worth and the worth of others.
In terms of health, your asthma remains well controlled. You are very nearly 5 feet tall, which is a milestone you have gone ahead and claimed as your own. You started taking an afternoon dose of medication to help with your attention and we are glad this hasn't impacted your appetite or mood. Your emotion regulation skills have also continued improving drastically. Although you are still stubborn (you come by this very honestly!), you have grown in patience and handling disappointment.
Despite not having an official art class this year, you took a number of opportunities to be creative. After taking a few crochet classes, you really dove into this hobby for a time, even serving as a vendor in the Oktoberfest youth art festival. More recently your crochet time has been replaced by bedazzling every item in your skincare cabinet. You still love to read and have continued picking up new musical and television interests. You created a lovely space in your room that you are really proud of and now are working on making the loft space something with less playroom vibes so you will spend more time there.
You are simply the best. You like to shop except when you would rather be home. You love a cloudy rainy day and mostly avoid the sun and heat, unless it's an opportunity to swim. You are still a champion cuddler and give the best hugs. I hope that 14 is full of joy, hope, love, and hugs.
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