Krazy Katherine & Praisin' Patti

Towards the end of the interesting school year, the kids finished up with some final projects.  Natalie did a lot of research and a wax museum project on Sandi Patty.  She nailed it- high notes and all!

Kate took a liking to Sandi's wig and transformed into Krazy Katherine for a couple of days.  We were surprised at how long she left her disguise on.  She was in rare form with an accent and new personality. 

Much to my surprise, Katherine even made an appearance on her class Zoom call.  Her teachers seemed to enjoy the surprise and really played "Katherine" up all the more!

Natalie and Scout participated in the school's pet show and Zoom with your pet day. 

Kate studied rainbows one week and did some cool science experiments and crafts. 

Scott finished strong and had another writing essay published in a local paper.  This time he wrote about what he would get me for Mother's Day if money were no object.  If it were up to Scott, a Bernese Mountain Dog would have been my surprise.  Hmmm... I may never have been more thankful to receive a homemade CD with Scott's music recordings.  Thanks, Son!

But then things got serious...

The home haircuts began...

The Zoom calls began (and never seemed to end)...

And Distance Learning was in full swing.  

Kate discovered that sleeping in and staying in comfy PJs was a nice bonus that came with doing first grade at home.  Her teachers were very reasonable and kept things fun. 

All dressed up and nowhere to go...

Natalie seemed to have the most work.  She put in a lot of hours and did a lot of assignments.  She worked very hard though and was able to manage everything very well. 

Submit assignments virtually and never have to use pencil and paper??  Sign Scott up!  Our techy guy flourished with the online projects and assignments.  He would stay up late to get started on the next day's work or work ahead so he could finish early for the week. 

Scott was also a great help to me and would often get interrupted for tech support as we all tried to be on devices with sketchy internet.  Below he is creating a project for STEM class. 

"Spring Break"

In an attempt to squeeze out one last bit of normalcy, we ventured to a state park for the day. 

Scout was up for a getaway!

It was CHILLY, but most family members didn't seem to mind.  (Teeth chatter, teeth chatter, teeth chatter)

A good day to NOT fall in the water!

Jon's always impressed by the size of trees. 

Jump, Kate, jump!

Hiking buddies

And once again, since no one else thought it was a great day for hiking trails, we had the park to ourselves for the most part.  Family photo using the timer...

 Back to home...where we would stay for awhile. 

Remembering Times We May Wish to Forget

For the record books...

The older kids were feeling sick the last week they attended school in March.  They both missed some school and when they were at school, they were bringing home extra books with them "just in case" they felt worse the next day and needed to miss.  So we were surprised (and relieved) when their school decided to close on March 13 and begin Spring Break a week early.

The extra week off of school was a nice surprise and perfect for recovering from whatever ailments we were fighting.  The kids enjoyed some spring weather and SUNSHINE!

We took some extra walks...

 went on some extra bikes rides...

spent some extra time on devices...(Farming Simulator 18, anyone?!:)

 chilled at home...

and flew kites (or something like that!)

Jon was sensing things were about to change, so we made a last minute trip to a state park.  Consider it our Spring Break Hurrah...(next post)

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Who has the biggest smile??!  YAHOO!

Scott-

Natalie-

Kate-

Only one family member was eager to get her picture taken by this sign...