The beginning of the school year

 As it is the theme of 2020, the beginning of the school year was an overwhelming time for everyone. Parents were asked whether or not they would even send their children to school if administrators allowed them into the building. Administrators decided they would allow the children into the building. Teachers were upset over this decision as many felt their safety was being compromised. Some parents felt all children needed to be in school. Other parents felt there was no way they would be sending their children to school. In the end, our district decided that all children would be starting the school year remotely. 

Our whole family was crushed. The kids wanted to be back in school. I felt that the kids needed to be back in school as the remote learning in the spring did not offer any new learning opportunities. The kids were no longer excited about learning or school. Evan, while I believe was also disappointed, was our saving grace. He allowed us to be sad and then immediately began the process of making remote learning work for our family. He assured me that he would be able to help the kids while I went to work. So after some husband and wife brainstorming, some Pinterest finds and a list of things to get for each child he created these work spaces for Liam and Caroline. 

And even though the first day of school was different than it has ever been; we were still able to smile and tackle our day. Even though the kids met their teachers through the car window in the school parking lot with masks on; they were still excited about starting a new school year. 

Caroline working very hard on her assignment of writing her numbers on the white board

Lucy working hard on her preschool book while her siblings are having their first day of school. 

The next week Lucy was off to preschool. She was more than excited to be back with her teachers and friends. The last time she was in the building was in March so while she was a little nervous in the morning, by the end of the day she was thrilled. 

Doesn't everyone eat their ice cream like this?

 

My sisters wedding

 I have realized that I never posted about my sister, Emily, getting married in June. While it wasn't the occasion she was hoping for with 200+ guests to help her and Jeff celebrate their special day it was still beautiful. 

It was a special day and I'm so happy that Jeff is now a part of our family!

We can officially call him Uncle Jeff!!!

Kid date night

 There's nothing quite like one of your children asking you to go get ice cream. She even brought her wallet. Just the two of us. And it was perfect.

Even her mask matched the occasion. 

Summer

 Our summer may not have looked exactly like years before but we still were able to cross off many things off our checklist before school beginning. 

Going to the Miller Park Zoo to see the animals. The kids did great wearing their masks and we even got to see the animal handlers feeding the crocodiles which was fascinating!

We also drove over to Peoria's Zoo. 

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Bonnie were gracious enough to let us come swimming a few times this summer.

Many days we just got the sprinkler and our small pool out and the kids had a blast running around.

Our VBS was virtual this year but the kids were still excited every night to watch our pastor present the lesson for the night and sing their VBS songs.

Pentwater, Michigan is a family tradition that not even a pandemic can wipe away. 

Time away with family was much needed and we all always love spending time at the beach. 

One of those stories

One fine day, in June, all three kids were playing on the playset after dinner. Evan and I were talking and all was right in the world. 

Then we heard a scream. We looked over to see Liam at the top of the slide with Lucy and Caroline attempting to climb up the slide. Caroline then came over to show us that her mouth was bleeding and informed us her brother had kicked her in the mouth. 

I took her inside to assess the damage. For many weeks her left front tooth had been very loose and I had been begging her to let me help her get it out. Her right front tooth had been just slightly loose. Now they were both blowing in the wind. With Caroline's ok we pulled them both out. After the bleeding and crying stopped she decided it wasn't so bad to be without her two front teeth. Eating corn on the cob is a bit trickier than normal but my girl isn't a quitter. 

Sisters

"Sisters, Sisters, never were there such devoted sisters...."

I absolutely love how well Caroline and Lucy play together. Sure they have their moments of disagreement but it is very rare. They love to play with one another and its fun to listen to them and how creative they are in their playtime. 

I'm sure one day when they are teenagers they will have many more disagreements but for right now we are going to live in the moment. And we are loving these moments.