When I had a hunch school was going to get canceled I went straight to the library and loaded up on as many books as I could checkout with my card. Turned out to be a genius move since the libraries closed the next day.
Job Charts- I updated them for "Corona-break" and none of my kids were very impressed with the add-ons...journal, 60 minutes reading, outside time, and 1 hour of exercise.
Disney made the book Stargirl into a movie. Jack Marian and Lucy have all read it so we watched the movie and it was pretty cute. Love that Grace Vanderwhatever.
Lucy's birthday was complete with Leprechaun kisses and chocolate-gold filled shoes hidden throughout the house. Usually I'm a total procrastinator with gifts but luckily I had already gotten Lucy's presents. She got some new clothes, a journal and markers, and some books she'd been wanting. She really likes graphic novels and there are actually a lot of really great ones out there!
To celebrate we had chocolate chip pancakes with the family then Lucy and I got drive-thru lunch from a little bakery cafe we like and ate in the fresh air and sunshine at the park.
Per Lucy's request we played Sardines (reverse hide and go seek) in the complete dark! We all had a good laugh about the fact that Chad could never win because Rosie followed him EVERYWHERE he went so he had zero chance at being sneaky.
Wednesday started off with an EARTHQUAKE. That's right on top of all the Corona craziness there was a 5.7 earthquake that woke us awake around 7am. It was crazy! The chandelier was swinging, windows were rattling...crazy.
I did A LOT of puzzles. It was VERY therapeutic
Lucy got to come to her first 10+ club and we had a blast playing Rook
The trampoline continues to be the best purchase we have ever made. The kids spend HOURS on it every day.
Going to the grocery store is like going into battle. It just feels weird. I try to only go every two weeks.
Jack has taken the twins on a bunch of bike rides and they LOVE that time with their big brother.
We went "Corona caroling" on Sunday to our friend Jack Wignall, Grandma Marian and both sets of grandparents. It was AWESOME! Marian and Lucy played "come thou font" on their ukuleles while our whole family sang the first verse. It was so sweet. Jack played his cello and the whole thing was just magical.
Jack made churros a couple of times this week and they are DELICIOUS.
Marian, Lucy and I did the 30 day shred work out video every day together. Go us.
Grace has read about 15 books so far including all of the Ramona Quimby books!
As crazy as that first week was, I LOVED it! I loved that life slowed down (basically came to a halt) we had tons of family walks, games nights, 4-square games at the school park, and I have LOVED not having to go anywhere (pretty sure getting everyone in the car without them destroying each other before we get to our destination is the hardest thing I do as a mother. Not having to go anywhere is pretty much a dream! I love that we just get to be together without distractions, activities, parties, friends, even relatives...all good things but it is nice to just be able to do our own thing!
I'm sure there are people who are using this time to accomplish huge projects or other impressive tasks, but not me. I have felt so much joy in slowing down and trying my best to enjoy being with my kids (and enjoy finding time alone...morning runs/walks have literally been essential for my sanity). I know this pandemic is a big deal and the economy is going down the drain...both major problems....but most the time that all feels a little distant to me. Knock on wood it stays that way.
Some pictures in no particular order
Corona-Caroling
A quote that I have thought of a lot lately.
"Social Distancing" birthday love from Grandparents
What Grace's dresser looks like most days.
