Summer 2020 - Week 2

Summer week 2... 2 down, 9 to go!

Monday was as a catch-up day.  I meant to take photos of our chores but failed, which spared you from looking at chore photos, soooo you're welcome...?  

Beyond chores, the girls and I made a really yummy dinner.  It was a simple meal: sloppy joes, fruit, grilled veggies, and chips.  The girls took pride in setting the table (I have to giggle on the right side of the table having exponentially more table cloth than the left).   

Tuesday we met Jim's mom out at Jordan Creek for some water play.  This is probably my favorite creek spot.  All of the kids enjoy it here. With most of the local pools closed (particularly the one that we usually live at all Summer), on hot days creeks are such a lifesaver.

How pretty is this spot? 

After some creek play, we came home and made a quick turn around to head to the doctor for our final well checks.  June, Josh, and Annie had thier well-check appointments in the week's prior and it was Elizabeth and Emily's turn. 

No shots were needed for these two except a cholesterol check for Elizabeth.  She passed with flying colors.  

Well checks are officially done for these 5 until next year (and let's be real, we actually do them every 2 ish years).  However, I'm mentally gearing up for those often-baby-visits come Fall.  

Last Tuesday entity:  an end of the day "Jim and Tucker" shot... best buds, these 2...

Wednesday we trucked back out to Tuscarora Lake, this time with friends in tow!!  It was such a nice time.  As a mom, finding those places where I can take all my kids and have them all be happy is a hurdle, especially at their ages.  Annie still likes little kid things, being that she's 5.  Then I have 3 elementary ages who are game for a bit more but are over some of the younger kid attractions.  Lastly, there's a sometimes-broody teen who isn't always easily pleased.  This lake, especially with friends, checks all of those boxes.

Quick stop for icecream on the way home...

Thursday was a day-at-home, and for the first time since quarantine started, Emily was able to have a friend over to play.  This happens to be her very favorite friend, so it was extra special.  The only photo I snagged was a sneaky one that didn't turn out well.  They were rocking and chatting on the porch.  It was super cute, even if the photo isn't! 

Emily has needed more TLC than anyone else through this pandemic.  She's so naturally social and is very structure driven.  Having the lack of social interaction and the framework that brick and mortar school provided definitely has put her uneven.  Having some friend time was so good for her. 

Friday was our last school item to check off our list.  Annie's preschool had a drive-by farewell.  We saw her teachers and she got a goodie bag with her remaining art projects, candy, a graduation cap, and her diploma.  I'm both appreciative and also upset about these make-shift experiences.  It was so nice for the school to arrange this, however, it totally brings to light how vastly different this school year was.  We LOVED each of our schools, and especially Annie's preschool.  She's the first kid I sent to a preschool and she thrived.  It was an amazing experience.

However, doing a drive-by brings to mind all the things that would have happened this year without the pandemic: Mother's Day Tea, Graduation ceremony.  Even for the big kids so many fun events were missed.  June was supposed to go to Broadway with the school musical kids. Josh would have toured the middle school and we would have attended middle school registration.  Elizabeth would have had a violin concert.  Emily missed a really fun around-the-town field trip.  These are so small in the big scheme of things, truly, but sometimes it just comes to mind how different the world was in these last 4 months. 

After the drive-by we were invited to a local park where anyone who felt comfortable could play.  Let me tell you, so much joy seeing her run around with her friends!!!  We talked about Emily's bestie above... this is Annie's.  These girls had such a good time all year. 

And just like that, she's off to Kindergarten!!   

Friday was the first day in green phase, and Jim let the kids celebrate by inviting friends over for a movie night in the yard.  He recently bought a projector and screen... rigged it all up... They watched Scooby Doo while eating popcorn and smores. 

Years ago, I remember thinking about... dreaming about... what our forever home would look like.  I wondered what we could afford, where it would be, who would be our neighbors, and what type of dynamic this new place would create.  God is good.  We moved 2 years later than we hoped.  This house was a long-awaited blessing and it's something I still don't take for granted, nearly 4 years later.  

All of the kids who came tonight could walk to our house.  We don't live in a bustling neighborhood, like our last house, but we are walking distance to so much, including friends.  I love that this is something that the kids get to experience, and I 100% can't take credit for this movie night. Haha.

Week 2, out.  Onto week 3...