Newbie here needing some advice

[addie]

ping, my S is 11 and only this year have I felt comfortable enough to have him walk to school on his own. I can sympathize with your W on this one. Is it really worth creating an issue with your W when she's thinking about the kids' safety? She's being cautious not necessarily overprotective. Maybe in a few months, next school year she may feel more comfortable with the kids walking on their own to school/friend's place.
As far as the anniversary, since you are separated, definitely not flowers. Like W2G suggested, a card that's not necessarily romantic. Only give it to her if she acknowledges the anniversary first. Our wedding anniversary occurred during our S and neither one of us brought it up.