Random Updates

Where to start?  It's been a tough end to our week.  The school board decided on Thursday evening that all kids in our school district would switch to virtual learning due to COVID starting Monday until January 11th (but I'll be shocked if they actually go back then).  I understand the decision, I really do, but it's a tough one for our family, and we have it easy since I stay home and can be here to help them.  There was hardly any time to prepare for all those poor, overworked, stressed teachers.  Our kids have absolutely thrived in the school environment.  They love seeing their friends, their teachers, and I'm constantly in awe of the work they accomplish.  It just makes me sad for them. I feel like they're missing out on a stable education.  We will make it work.  We remind them that we can do hard things.  I love the idea that I'll be more involved and with them during the day, but also mourn the "me time" and freedom to run errands and get stuff done.  We understand this is for the greater good, and we'll hunker down and do our part to help keep the spread of this devastating disease from spreading.  

Leslie already had a go at virtual learning a few weeks ago since a kid in her class tested positive.  Thankfully she didn't get it, and most of her quarantine was during an already scheduled school break.

Now that that's over with... Fun kid stuff.  A week or so ago, we went on a hike, but this one was a record breaker for us - 7 miles!  There was very little complaining, and we only had to stop a few times to get little gravel pellets out of our shoes.  We are so proud of them, and love that they actually WANT to do big hikes!

7 miles!

Leslie's dance studio typically holds a holiday show the first week in December.  Once again, due to COVID, that looks different this year.  Her dance studio hired a video recording company to tape their dances.  It will premier later this month, I believe.  Until then, here are some photos of our beautiful and graceful Sugar Plum Fairy:

In other news, we put up our Christmas decorations!  We have never done this before Thanksgiving, but it just felt right this year.  Plus, Bobby has to work on Friday and Leslie has a pediatrician appointment (finally getting that 6-year well visit in).  

You may notice that most of our ornaments are at a 6-year-old eye level!

Other random picture updates:

She lost her other front tooth!

Enjoying a hike near the creek

Initially, Daniel LOVED using the leaf blower.  Then complained about how much his arms hurt.  I'm not so sure he'll be as eager to help next time...

Bobby and I were talking the other day about how we haven't been good about taking videos of the kids recently.  So, in an effort to try to get more footage, I tried to take a video of them being silly.  By the time I got my phone out, the silliness was over.  But I now remember why we don't have many videos of them...