The Petersen Clan : September 2018

Austyn's Birthday this years was so different than any she's had before. She had in her mind exactly what she wanted and that is what she got! She wanted a slumber party (our first) with lots of decorations and to have the whole party upstairs as her very own party room. She picked out the decorations and her menu for the night and all the activities she wanted to do. It was very cute. I was very impressed at her party planning skills. She had an absolute blast. And on her actual Birthday we went to to Mexican dinner with the WHOLE family to celebrate not only her Birthday, but three others and Jordan's promotion. It was an awesome night.
Austyn is in 2nd grade this year and has the same teacher I did when I was in Elementary School (it's kind of neat). She enjoys school and takes great pride in her behavior and quality of work she produces. She loves to be involved in all things at school and most all the sports. She has learned that basketball isn't her favorite so she will be doing swim lessons instead. Right now she's playing soccer and has really come far since last year. She is loving it and has found a new self confidence within herself. I can see in her eyes that she is proud of herself and pushes herself to learn more. This is a trait that I haven't seen in her before and it makes me so so happy. I get the pleasure of coaching her again, which I absolutely love. She plans on playing soccer, volleyball, swimming, then softball. Jordan especially loves that she wants to play a sport year round. I can't wait to see which sport or sports she chooses as her favorite to continue through school. Right now it's Volleyball and has been for the last three years.
I'm so blessed to have such a kind and honest daughter. Her sweet personality is so heartwarming. I can ALWAYS count on her to be honest and make the right choices. And I've noticed that when she does make wrong choice she is quick to admit it and welcomes a consequence for her actions. She is quite mature for her age and I think that helps in those situations. She LOVES to shop and get her nails done. Anything sparkly catches her eye and heart quickly. She has been drooling over Chandeliers for her room for years and she finally got one for her Birthday. It was of course the highlight. But what I love about her is that she can be 100% girly and then go out and ride her motorcycle better than the boys. She is very much into riding motorcycles. She prefers that over her quad. I think it's really neat and that's one of the things that Jordan and her do together, which makes me really happy. She also is a sharp shooter with her BB gun! She loves to bake with her Mimi. I'm not much of a baker so it pleases me to have my Mom and her share that special activity. I'd like to think that when she's older she will look back at the wonderful memories she has and the special people that did those things with her.
8 years old. It's hard to get my head wrapped around that number. She is truly the best girl in the whole wide world and I'm so lucky to be her Mom. I love her so much and I love that she still wants to snuggle and hug. I hope and pray that she and I have the relationship that my Mom and I do. I feel like we're on the right path for that to happen.
Austyn Grace, I love you to the Moon and back!