Mother-Daughter Date

When life took that unexpected turn in March and school was no longer in person, my sweet girl who was used to having some time with Mom to herself every day was having to share with her brothers.  Some days were especially hard for her and this Saturday happened to be one of them.  We decided to have some special time together, though we had to be a little bit creative.  We picked up our favorite drinks from Briar House and headed down to Boom Lake, where I let her sit in the front seat (parking lot only).  We snuggled up and read all of her new library books we had picked up curbside earlier in the week.  She also wanted to go touch the water, and though it was "shivering cold," we walked to the dock to dip our fingers in.  I loved this special time I got to spend with my amazing girl.  

Last Day of School

We did it!  We made it!  The last day of virtual schooling in this crazy, crazy school year is over!  Though there were some nice aspects to having the kids at home for these past few months, I felt a sense of relief to be done with being responsible to someone else's schedule and demands.  Both Nolan and Livi's teachers did Zoom meetings to celebrate.  Ms. Kaster gave out awards to each of the students in her class.  Nolan earned the "Taco" award since he is always walking to "taco"-bout everything!  She even stopped by our house to pick up a little present we got for her.  (We had to leave Mrs. Powell's gift at school as she was out of town.)

Later that afternoon, we attended a goodbye parade at Pelican School.  I felt a little bit emotional about it.  Maybe some of the trauma of the many monumental changes over the past few months was finally sinking in, but today I felt so overwhelmingly grateful for the amazing team of teachers and staff that loved my kids and cheered them on in their educational pursuits. As we waved goodbye to the army of staff members during our school's farewell parade, I saw a sea of smiling, encouraging faces and felt in awe at their adaptability, perseverance, and dedication to their craft. Cheers to the teachers and staff who made sure the kids felt connected to their classmates, fostered learning in a non-traditional setting, provided meals for the kids of our community, and support for the parents. I see you and I am so grateful.

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marked our first time on the boat this year and one of the first times we've been out of the house since COVID began.  It felt like paradise to be out in the sunshine with the kids and Grandma and Grandpa in someplace different than our own backyard.  Boating has always been one activity our whole family can enjoy together, so it was relaxing and fun to munch on snacks, soak in the sun, and share in some laughs with our family.  

COVID-19 Day 68

Simon's One Year Pictures

COVID-19 Day 67

- We finally got sand for our sandbox! The kids are loving it!
- The kids got mail from Pastor Kari!

Visit from Grandpa Jim and Grandma Marcia

After almost three months apart, we finally got to see Grandpa Jim and Grandma Marcia this weekend!  We thought we would take advantage of the opportunity to see them since the Stay at Home order has been lifted and the case number is still low.  It was so good to see them - the kids were so excited!  We had fun catching up and enjoyed a campfire with s'mores.