People stop me and say, "You must be so proud of Kylee. She's just like, the perfect young woman." At the pool the other day a neighbor stopped and chatted to me for awhile and went on about how polite and grown up and responsible and beautiful she is. I'm not ever surprised when people say things like this to me because I totally agree with all these comments. She is pretty great.
Adored by younger cousins and neighbors, Kylee is as kind as they come. She truly is a friend to all and a bonus big sister to many of Kase's best buddies.
A text from a new volleyball coach, "Wow, Kylee is SUCH a breath of fresh air among teenage girls. Her attitude is really something special."
Kylee has had some tough decisions to make lately. It wasn't her favorite club volleyball season ever last year but she didn't let it get he down and tried out for several other teams, getting top bids everywhere new. She ultimately made a choice for a team where she loved the coaches and other players, even though none of the girls on her team are super close Ankeny friends. I love that she is willing to branch out and try something new and goes with her gut feeling about things.
We spent the morning doing some of her favorite things- getting Starbucks then making salsa with tomatoes from our garden. She had afternoon plans with friends at the pool then volleyball camp. What she wanted most for the evening was to just be together as a family hanging out. Nothing special, no fancy dinner, just us 5, together. She's been a busy gal and every once in awhile the homebody side of her comes out and she's just so, so content to be around the family and I'm so thankful for that.
Kylee has pushed herself hard all summer. She puts in lots of miles (over 100 total for the summer now!) with the cross country team each week, has had countless volleyball camps and weightlifting too. She discovered at a young age that she is her best self when she is working out regularly and eating healthy. Wise beyond her years, for sure.
Kylee is always on the lookout for Kase. She helps "mother" him (sometimes much to his annoyance) but she is willing to play his favorite games with him, let him get his way (some of the time) and is constantly reminding him to do things. She worries about him for me when I'm gone. I was out running an errand once and came back to Kylee following him around the block- he was on his dirt bike and Kylee said, "I just didn't trust him to go too far on his own. His bike is kind of loud and he might not see a car coming so I just followed him to make sure he's safe."
Kylee has gotten more into fashion and loves watching Friends. She is happy to spend time with friends but also loves family time. She has really gotten deeper in her faith this year and enjoys reading her daily devotional and misses her Junkyard time on Wednesday nights. She often posts Bible verses on her social media and when she was worried about volleyball bids she visibly relaxed as soon as I reminded her that God had a play and wherever she ended up would be the right place.
We had the best night celebrating together. She opened gifts and we had planned to go to Cheesecake Factory but instead she opted to Door Dash food so we could have more time together at home as a family.
We played 7 Up and Kylee won. We went on a family bike ride and stopped by Kase's friend's house who was having a bonfire and Kylee was happy to join and hang with them. We ended our evening back at home with some family Mario Kart before bed.
Kylee, you are such a special girl and we love you! Here's to the best year yet!
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