The "start" of in person school

 I am so thankful that the kids school has decided to let them come back to school. While we are still just doing a hybrid schedule;  it is something. And I will take something over nothing any day. 

Currently the kids schedule is going to school two days a week and doing remote learning at home three days a week. The classes are split so only half the kids are there on each day to allow for distance in the classroom. Lunch is assigned seating and spaced further apart than usual as well. 

The only downfall so far is that Caroline's teacher decided to retire early with the decision the district made to go back. She unfortunately had some health issues and didn't feel comfortable with the COVID guidelines. Mrs. Wagner was a fantastic teacher and really tried to make Caroline's remote learning days as close to a real day of school as possible. Most teachers were not meeting with their kids multiple times a day to read books and do lessons with their class like she did. We will really miss her smile and laugh. 

Caroline has a new first grade teacher, Miss Harms. She seems very good as well and we actually know her from church so we feel very blessed and excited about the rest of the year. 

Liam will have the same teacher that he has had since August, Mrs. Edwards. I am interested in how this year will go for him as so far with all of the remote learning we haven't seen quite the same effort from him as we usually do during a regular school year. We are constantly working with him on understanding the importance of double checking your work and answering all of the questions asked before turning the assignment in. We are hoping that he starts listening soon. 

The main question is, "How long will the kids stay in school?" and "If they are successful in two days a week, will we ever move back to the original plan of a four day school week?"

I am hoping and praying every day.

Hooray

 When Caroline was born we learned that she had Congenital Hip Dysplasia.  While it was a  surprise to us, we did learn that it is a fairly easy thing to treat. As an infant she wore a fun looking parachute-type strap to keep her legs up and pushed into the hip sockets 24/7. Then, as things improved,  it was just when she was asleep for naps and bedtime. And at around 18 months we were told she no longer needed to wear any appliance and the orthopedic surgeon who was treating her out of Peoria thought that while her X-rays were still not completely in the clear she most likely would be fine. We went again when she was 3 and again we still were not out of the woods but she most likely would not need any further treatment; but to please bring her back when she turns 6. 

So while Caroline was a little nervous getting her X-ray she did indeed pass this time. The doctor said that each hip angulation was under 25 degrees which is exactly where she needed to be. He then showed us a comparison of her hips when she was 6 months old to present day. The difference between the two was shocking. She really has come a long way! 

When we left the office and got to the car Caroline told me she had a funny joke to tell me: "Hip, Hip, Hooray Mom!"

***The doctor said that she should be fine for the rest of her life and should have no other issues with this however if she wants to have children of her own they will be at a higher risk for developing the same issue. 

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.