Our Birthday Boy & Emerging from Shelter in Place

Another pandemic birthday and this boy came up with the perfect way for him to celebrate -- a way I probably wouldn't have allowed had we actually been able to have a party in person -- a Fortnite online party from 6:30-9:30pm on his big day.  We sent out Evites and delivered cupcakes the day of.  He wore his Fortnite pajamas all day long in preparation.  It was a dream come true to this guy and all I could do was shake my head in disbelief.  Oh, how I love this boy that is so different from me and yet so very lovable.  I am excited to see what the next year brings to him and hope with all my heart we can make some more dreams come true for him in 2020.  Happy 11th birthday, my favorite boy.  May this year be as magical as you are.

The same week Danny had his birthday, Michelle finished 4th grade and three years at her Waldorf school.  It wasn't the way we wanted to say good-bye to a place she has loved but it is what it is.  I have been so impressed with how well a school with zero technology was able to pull together online learning in only two weeks and carry it out so well. A big thank you again to all my children’s teachers this year! I’m convinced my children had the best teachers in the world for them.

Celebratory hot dogs and s'mores using homework at kindling to begin summer right.

The news that baseball and softball would really be happening this year (and that Kate would get another month of volleyball via open gyms) was another cause to celebrate.  It has been so good for them to get out and be around other people!  Public parks being open again has brought more outdoor time, imagination, and exercise to the mix too.  Rejoice!

The nicer weather has inspired us to clean house, both inside and out.  Natalie enjoyed using the power washer on the back patio so much that I really didn't have to do any more work.  She was literally two feet off the ground at her first softball practice too.

Kate got to spend some time at my parent's house with Piper while Michelle and I hosted some of her friends for 4 9:30am-2:30pm play dates that week.  Danny enjoyed more play time with Maisie and time with boys his age while Kate enjoyed some independence and Michelle and Natalie played games, had snacks and even made paper with supplies my mother had kept from when I was Michelle's age.  Grandma Karyl for the win!

Kate also got to come home to a bed moved to where she wanted it (that took Hubby and Danny and Michelle to help me) and a clean room.  She was so happy she gave me a hug!  Write it down, quick!

Speaking of hugs, Hubby got plenty on Father's Day! We are so grateful for his intelligence, hard work and talent.  He celebrated by using his Treager (of course) to cook a leg of lamb we had purchased from a local farm. Delicious!

Michelle's at home recital was a hit with me!  I get such joy out of watching her love doing what she does!

I know I have mentioned podcasts before and here is the newest one I've been listening to.  I am learning so much!  These episodes are not only helpful for my learning but also in how I teach my children about certain difficult topics since Jasmine is an elementary school teacher.  Highly recommend.