"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...

"And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace"

We exchanged our Easter bonnets for face masks...

Our pews for bean bag chairs... 

Our flowy dresses for comfy pjs....

Our sandals for slippers...

Our jelly beans for Wet Wipes...

and a beautiful choir performance for Jon's special solo.  (It was very...quiet.  Perhaps even imagined.)

Happy Easter 2020- one that we'll remember for sure!  Beyond thankful that we serve an unchanging, risen Savior!

Good Old Days- Part 2 (Bragging Edition)

Natalie competed in the school spelling bee again this year.  Blurry pictures= shaky mom hands.  Natalie did great though!:)

 

I should also post about Scott's recent writing award.  He wrote an essay about one of his favorite subjects- SCOUT!- and won 3rd prize in the county.  The honor came with a $15 check, and Scott was thrilled!

And while I'm bragging, I should also point out that Kate was chosen to skip the rest of primary school, graduate, and head to college in the fall.

Okay- two truths and a lie.  Kate will continue in first grade.  However, she sure makes a cute graduate!

Saxophone, keyboard, and guitar- each day we hear some music coming from his room!

The Good Old Days...

Disclaimer:  All of these pictures and events happened prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.  (This disclaimer is for my mom.  Don't worry- we haven't been out licking playgrounds or visiting gyms!:) 

What better time to update my blog than now?  (Actually, LAST WEEK would have been a better time.  Today was our first day of "Distance Learning" for school, and it's going to be an adjustment.)

One morning, I was standing by the door handing kids their coats, lunch boxes, and fixing hair as all three filed out to load the truck with Jon.  "Bye Scout!" said the first.  "Bye Scout!" said the second.  "Bye Scout!" said the third.  I balked, "No bye Mom??"  So in unison, they all amused me with a "Bye, Mom!"  Doesn't count if I have to ask for it though!  At least the dog gets a proper good-bye!

Scott and his buddy competed in the school science fair.  They won third place!  (Second tallest kid in the class + second shortest kid in the class= best buds!) 

As Kate was taking some medicine one day...

Kate:  Does it taste bad to swallow a pill with an alcoholic drink?

Me:  Alcoholic drink??  Where have you heard that?

Kate:  My music teacher was doing that the other day.

Me:  It was an alcoholic drink?

Kate:  I think so.  It was brown and fizzy.

Me:  It was probably a Coke.  Did you think that Coke was called an alcoholic drink?

Kate:  Well...I don't know!

After watching the high school girls at school win Regionals, the girls have been inspired to play basketball.  It's been fun watching them work on their skills at home. 

"Reading ruins my life!  So does school and brushing my teeth!" protested the straight-A student who has never had a cavity.   I think she should try out for drama in the coming years.

I said to Scott, "We should run, and then I'll cut your hair."

Scott said, "What are we trying to do...have the worst day ever??!" (And I guess after last month's haircut debacle, who can blame him for being apprehensive?!)

The girls have been (or perhaps I should say had been) loving gymnastics lessons. 

Scott also started some guitar lessons with a teacher at school.  He's going to be a one man band before we know it!

Caught in the act!

The Good Old Days Part 2 coming tomorrow...