A Teenager!

 This is the year that my first born turns into a teenager.  She will also be celebrating her second pandemic birthday, although this birthday she will be able to celebrate with a few more vaccinated people. Since her last birthday Izzy has compiled a list of all of the books that she has read, the number currently is 149, she is hoping to make it to 150 by tomorrow, her actual birthday.  She is a book WORM, she loves digging into a good book and she will spend hours in her cozy, comfy loft with a good book, and possibly Max, snuggling by her feet.  Izzy has accomplished more than just reading this year, she started Middle School at City High/Middle and completed an entire semester of virtual school before converting to a hybrid model where she goes to school in person, just 2 days a week, and does the other 2 days online. To say that she has embraced all of this changed would be an understatement, she has rocked it.  She has completed 3 marking periods with a 4.0 and has needed few reminders or help.  We are so very proud of her integrity, perseverance, and positive attitude.  Izzy is an introvert so a pandemic hasn't been all bad for her.  It gives her lots of excuses to stay home.  She does spend time out doors with her buddies from Stepping Stones, Anna, Caroline, Taylor and Cara.  She completed some volunteer hours with Anna on the Kids Food Basket Farm, spent an evening on Taylor's ice skating rink, and has spent numerous hours outside in the warm and the cold hanging out with Caroline. 

For most of the pandemic Izzy has worn the same outfit, a grey Old Navy hoodie, with holes in the elbows and cuffs, and blue jeans.  She finds comfort in routine and sameness.  She loves to play games, and is rather good at most of them. She loves logic and thinking about things.  Izzy loves stories, she loves reading them, listening to them or watching them on tv. Her favorite show is CBS Sunday Morning. When you give her the option to choose something to watch on her own, it is often Fantasia, or some other older Disney movie. She is a little hesitant to turn into a teenager, because she thinks they have a "bad reputation", but we assured her that she doesn't have to turn into something she is not!  We love you Izzy!  We can't wait to watch you turn into an awesome teenager.