PE

Natalie and Max's art, music, library, and PE teachers sent a chart of fun activities for the kids to choose from each day. So far, the timed sprints have been a popular choice around here.

Blessings in Disguise

This Coronavirus quarantine is really something else. Never in a million years would we have imagined living the way we're living right now. So many people are going through so many hardships with all of the shutdowns, but the slower pace has been so good for our kids. Full days at school can sometimes be hard on their little 5- and 7-year-old minds and bodies. We started working on math, reading, writing, and science for a couple hours a day last week, and the balance of a little learning and a lot of playing has been just what they needed. They absolutely miss their teachers and their friends and all the fun activities at school, but this little break has been a bit of a blessing in disguise.

Today was the first day of assignments from their teachers. They had a lot of fun working on some of the programs that their teachers suggested, so we're excited to see what else is in store for the rest of the year. 

***I feel like I should add a disclaimer that we have definitely had to deal with the occasional bad attitude; it hasn't all been sunshine and roses, but overall, schooling from home has been a lot of fun for all of us.

And this is my sweet teaching assistant:

Our Day

We have never needed spring flowers as much as we need them this year while "sheltering in place". 

Isabel loves being outside and exploring the grass. 

We have been baking every day. Natalie has been asking to make things by herself the last couple of days. Today she made an Oreo dessert that disappeared pretty quickly!

Toothy smiles!

Drawings and Smiles

Emma drew this first picture for her neighbor friend Jack. She ran over and left it in his yard for him to pick up once she left. Social distancing is a strange concept when you're three. If I remember right, I think the guy in this drawing is mad, and that's why he has so many mouths.

She drew this one for me. Only one mouth. He must not be mad.

My Grandma Betty's 90th birthday was yesterday, so the kids drew pictures to send to her. I thought Max's picture of him and Grandma in her wheel chair was really sweet.

Isabel is such a happy girl! You can see her teeth in the second smile.

Better Together

Our little town is coming together to spread cheer in lots of little ways.

A shop up town had free cookies for kids this afternoon, and the bags the cookies came in even had cheerful messages written on them.

The highlight of our day was the Swather Pride Drive! The elementary teachers and staff drove through town this evening in a parade of honking and waving and "We miss you!" signs. I wasn't expecting to cry, but whew, those "We miss you!" and "Keep reading!" signs really got to me. I was hoping to get a picture of the kids waving to their teachers, but I was too busy smiling and waving and crying. It was the best. I don't think I knew how much I needed that outpouring of love.

We're all in this together.

Best Buds

Social Distancing

The kids are used to playing with our neighbors every day after school and on most weekends too. They were sad to hear that social distancing means no more friends over at our house for a while, so they improvised. They have played from their respective curbs all week long. They have blown bubbles, played football, and made up dances. My heart does break a little for them, but the sight of them out there brings me so much hope. 

8 Months

Isabel is eight months old today!

She is still such a happy and content baby. She loves to play and laugh with the big kids, but she is also just as content to crawl around the house exploring. She laughs when she hears someone else laughing, which is just so sweet.

She is starting to become more interested in table food. She ate lasagna and breakfast casserole last week and absolutely loved them both. She still has only two teeth, and she doesn't seem to be working on any more quite yet. She is a speedy crawler, and she would love to explore the bathroom and the kids' dirty shoes if only I'd let her.

Happy eight months, sweet Isabel!

Day 3

St. Patrick's Day

Well today was supposed to be day two of Spring Break, but now the kids won't be going back to school for the remainder of the school year, so maybe this is day two of Summer Break. COVID-19 Break? I don't know. It's a lot to process. What I do know is that we are going to make the most of our time together, and Natalie and I are both pretty excited about coming up with a new homeschooling rhythm.

We spent our morning crafting and baking. Well, the girls did. Max spent his morning making a Lego city and eating the goodies we made for him.

Quarantine/Spring Break Day 1

Day one was made of homemade play dough, a bike ride, lots of art, and lots of reading. We had a really great day, but the reality of a closed library and very limited grocery pickup options could make things interesting in the days (weeks?) to come. For now we have plenty of groceries and library books though, so we are taking things one day at a time and enjoying all of the extra family time. 

Sweet Isabel

Buds

Emma was excited to see buds on our tree out front this afternoon! Come on, Spring!

Weekend Fun

Emma, Max, and I played at the school playground for a bit last weekend. It was so nice to be out in the nice weather! We can't wait for actual spring!

Hi

Isabel waves "hi" now, and it's everyone's new favorite thing!

Disney on Ice

Erica got us Disney on Ice tickets for Christmas again this year, and today was the day of the show. Emma got to go for the first time this year. She was most excited about seeing Mickey and Minnie. It's always fun to watch the kids watch and sing along with the show. Thanks, Erica!

 

Mother/Son Game Night

Max and I had fun playing bingo this evening at the Mother/Son game night at school. We didn't win any prizes, but pajamas, popcorn, and friends still made for a fun night.

Building a better world

I found this sweet picture taped up by Natalie's drawing area last week.