Back to School

  It's already February and the last 6 weeks have flown by in a blur, mostly marked by the excitement and relief of Allie getting to actually go to kindergarten.  It was a roller coaster as the school board shut down all but two days of going to the building the night before she was to start, and then reinstate the original every other week plan a couple weeks later.  We haven't suffered many difficulties during this pandemic, but awaiting the late night decision that will majorly affect our day to day lives (which happens about every month) ranks up there with top frustrations of these circumstances.  Anyway, go to school she did and came home on the bus- the only kid on the bus, I might add- full of smiles and happiness, in spite of not being able to get near any of the children and wearing her mask from 9-3.  These kids are rock stars to take it all in stride!  Sadly, the other kids are still not able to return in person and it was hard to see the loss of their happy plans to be in class again.

Other notable news... Matt finally started his new job at the VA after many weeks of paperwork.  Just when he thought he had done all the paperwork, it's like he'd get to "unlock a new level" that came with the prize of..more paperwork.  He's been on orientation for 3 weeks now and much of it has been sitting for 8 hours doing modules (continuing ed), which kind of feels like more paperwork.  He's gotten to work in his unit some the last few days and much prefers that.  

Joshua made the lacrosse team and after many canceled and postponed games due to covid issues/weather/muddy fields, they finally had their first game Thursday!  There is only one team so he's playing alongside seniors, but so far loving it.  He just got to play a few minutes at the end of his game but some of his good friends got a ton of playing time and did really well.  It's definitely not been the season they would have had if not for covid because they are playing in winter, often missing some players, and there's no JV team, but they are making the best of it.

The girls continue to skate and are working hard and learning so much!  I've been taking them and 4 of their friends every Friday for the public skate, which has helped them grow in confidence and get some extra lessons from high schooler Katelyn, who is very good and graciously comes along and gives them tips.  They are having a blast!

Gray is working hard to continue to adjust to online school and mitigate some of his organizational struggles.  He is learning to write down assignments, check his email often, and look at each class daily to make sure he isn't missing work.  It's such a challenge for him, but I do feel like we are seeing improvement and I'm hopeful he will take these skills with him when he's not home for me to oversee.

Here are a few pictures from our winter...

The cold never bothered her anyway.  

Loft date with takeout.

Escape room for Gray's buddy Will's bday

So many passes thrown between Joshua and his friend Alden, who faithfully practiced daily for the offseason lacrosse competition.

Day 1 ready!!

Thanks, Pa and Nanny, for taking Allie to school while I teach!

Covid school, Gray style.

Allie loved the tour of the school.

Tiny girl, loving that big bus ride!

Gray learning life skills.

Cousin game time at Nanny's.  It is so much fun to watch these 5...separated by only 1 1/2 years in age, enjoy each other's company.  We remember the days where they were all toddlers and someone was always crying or into something.  My how they do grow up.

Fort building at the Bakers

Sometimes these two just have the best time together.

Kindergarten buddies enjoying public skate time.

Public skate with Katelyn

Julia is so into pirates...particularly Captain Jack Sparrow.  Love these four and their imaginative play.

100th day of school!  Allie is a little old lady.  :)  This ended up being our first snow day of the season and the kids played their hearts out in our little inch or two of flakes.

Allie and Molly got to do zoom school together this day so I could teach.

Julia's little snow guy.

Joshua ready for his first high school game...but not loving paparazzi mom. 

Allie was awesome at her cavity filling appointment.  She was so happy and chatty and left saying, "That was fun!" She has been worn out on school weeks and a bit testy on stay at home weeks, but overall, she's still our sunshine!

That's about it for us right now.  Matt is gearing us up (literally...we are getting LOTS of gear) for hopefully camping in the near future.  We are looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year, Allie's Family Day, and Valentine's Day soon.  We are thankful all the grands are getting their vaccine and we are awaiting my call to get mine.  I am halfway through the 3rd quarter of teaching and it's still going great...just so. much. zoom.  Looking forward to my two week spring break next month!