Julia!

It wasn't so long ago that Julia looked like this! What happened to that little girl?

Julia is getting so big and learning so much! In fact, at her parent-teacher conference, her teacher called her a superstar! She said that Julia is doing amazingly well in 1st grade. She's reading at a 2nd grade level and is excelling in all areas! We couldn't be more proud!

She's also branching out socially. She's made some close friends here on our street, and twice now, she's spent the night at a friends' house. She had a really great time on both occasions and didn't seem to get homesick at all. I admit, I kind of hated her spending the night out....I don't want her to grow up!

Julia is an amazing big sister, always reading to the kids, always helping them out. This is from when she was younger, but now that she is actually reading, she's doing it even more. Aiden and Lexie both adore her. Lexie will walk over and just lay down on Julia's lap, and Aiden will seek her out for comfort at times, telling her "Sit me, Yaya!" ("Sit with me, Julia!") They are all very loving kids.

I'm happy to say that Julia has dealt with the move really well. I think it helped immensely that she met these other girls who live on our street. She had built-in best friends immediately! She tells me that she really likes her school and teacher, and doesn't refer to her old school and friends as much as I thought she would. I'm proud of her for also making other friends, outside of our neighborhood, through her activities. She's really starting to become more outgoing. She's made friends of all ages, through Brownies, ballet, cheerleading, and school in general.

We're still learning all of the exciting changes that come with being the parents of an school-aged child, but she is such a good girl. We're such lucky parents to have this amazing daughter! We love you so much, Julia!

Julia and Daddy on a Ferris Wheel!