Fourteen

Emily is fourteen today and she couldn't be happier about it.  Despite the fact that these last few months have not gone as planned, she has never missed a beat.  I can only remember one time since the world stopped moving that she was anything but happy - and it was because she couldn't master a certain number of juggles with the soccer ball.  She continues to be happiest when she is surrounded by her four best friends - none of whom she goes to school with but all of whom she would spend 24/7 with if she had the chance.  She loves being with her soccer team and with her friends from school and pretty much gets along with everyone.  She continues to excel at school, especially math and science.  In three years of middle school, she received only one A- and ended up with more A+ grades than A's.  She still loves to read but over the last several months, I've noticed that she really just loves to learn new things.  I've stumbled upon her listening to podcasts about a variety of topics while doing school work or cleaning up her work area.  Emily is an incredibly hard worker.  We were so impressed with how seriously she took her work during remote schooling; we were even more impressed with her dedication to soccer.  With the exception of only Easter Sunday, she has gone running, worked out or spent time working on soccer skills every single day.  We hope that her commitment to soccer pays off for her when the kids are finally allowed to return to the fields.  Emily is sooooo nervous, but sooooo excited about high school.  We can't wait to see what amazing things she does when she spreads her wings and flies.  Happy fourteenth birthday Emily - we hope that this year is as amazing as you are!