This week we seemed to hit our stride. After numerous tweaks, we finally found a schedule that gave enough routine to our days without having every minute structured.
One of the best practices we established was an extended walk for Ian and I each day. We love taking full family walks with the kids, but carving out time for just the two of us to be able to process our thoughts and feelings about this pandemic out loud without having to censor for the kids has been helpful. We also make a point to find beauty and positivity on each walk as these times burning the pavement have replaced our date nights. Saturday these amazing Kwanzan cherry blossoms captivated me. We've been trying to figure out what type of tree we'll plant when we take down the Bradford pears out front...I think I've found it!
Sunday's walk took us by the elementary school. Gosh I miss this place. Our kids all thrived in their time here and it makes me so very sad that Daniel is missing so much of his last year here.
Somehow everything feels alright with the world for a few minutes when s'mores are involved and we've been enjoying our little fire pit frequently in these times.
Our daily schedule has some educational time in the mornings followed by a block of time away from screens. This includes lunch, PE/recess, "chill time" (think reading, writing letters or napping) and play time. Board games have been frequent...Life seems to have a permanent spot in the living room...and Nat's dolls and all lovies have found some renewed play time.
Reading/napping...his favorite way to spend the afternoon.
This week saw the addition of something new to entertain the crew and encourage them to be outside breathing fresh air and soaking in vitamin D. As Ian and I were walking on Sunday, we came upon a family putting up a slack line. Ian commented that it looked fun and that caused me to remember that we had bought the boys one for Christmas about three years ago that was still in the box in the top of their closet. Better late than never...
Several of the teachers this week were offering class Google meets for the kids to be able to see their friends. The elementary set was happy to see familiar faces outside of our family and D was especially happy to chat a bit of extra time with his teacher. He really has enjoyed being in Mr G's class and I hate for him that he's missing all this time.
Kylie has been continuing to work on her bread baking...she's made more regular loaf bread (which makes THE BEST grilled cheese sandwiches) and has tried her hand at Artisan bread.
The weather has been spectacular. As we walk through the neighborhood Ian and I find ourselves grateful that this statewide stay at home order has happened as spring is approaching. As it is, being in quarantine is sometimes difficult, but how hard would it have been during the dreary winter months?
Climbing (and somewhat hiding) in our Japanese Maple and making use of the slack of the slack line have become popular ways to pass the late afternoon hours.
As has baking.
Have I mentioned the baking?
When I started at Elon I was warned of the Freshman 15. With the new interest in honing baking skills around here, I start to fear that the Covid 19 will have a double meaning. I'm pretty sure we haven't had a night yet that someone hasn't made cookies, brownies, cupcakes, blondies, a tart, fudge, or in this case a depression cake.
Being a big family in quarantine together admittedly has a few drawbacks. More people = less space to spread out and find somewhere to be alone in the house...especially because none of the kids have their own rooms. It also can get pretty darn noisy when you consider that three of the folks under the age of 18 are boys. It may seem like I'm singling them out, but it is true...
But being a big family in quarantine together also has its share of advantages. If someone is grating on your last nerve (I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it happens around here, even in the best of times) there is always someone else to hang out with. And most games are easier to play with large numbers. Not many families can have a four square game going on 90% of the time that doesn't require Mom and Dad as players (though we do often join in after our walks).
Some days Darcy joins in the four square tournaments, but when Kylie ventures outside they often get caught up in conversation or some creative project. Our sidewalk chalk got worn down to nubs as they copied their favorite quotes from 365 Days of Wonder: Mr Brown's Precepts. They covered the sidewalk between both our neighbor's driveways and up most of Robbie & Marlowe's driveway with encouraging, fun and just plain silly quotes.
One of mine...so thankful for the spring sunshine!
No comments:
Post a Comment