Tiptoeing Towards Normalish

This week was our first big foray back into normalish. 

Monday we went to the drive-through bank and McDonald's for a small Dr. Pepper. The kids did a taste test. We have been learning about expanding our palates and trying new things even if we don't think they sound good. I still remember the first time I tried Dr. Pepper, my parents took me to Pizza Hut and I was very hesitant because it's called "Pepper." 

We used that example and split the small beverage to try it. They liked it. And the lesson has sunk in because the rest of the week they've been great about trying some newer things. 

Tuesday and Thursday the kids went to a "camp." It was in the backyard of a college-aged gal from our parish. She limited the numbers and it was all outdoors. A few of our friends signed up together so our kids could spend some time together safely. 

Tuesday admittedly did not go super well. While us moms hit Target (totally unplanned... but it was kind of nice to loiter at the Starbucks for a bit with friends before shopping) the kids played. C struggled with the whole thing. He was fine at the camp but was super emotional for the rest of the afternoon. 

My kids hadn't been without a parent since March 13. And while we've never had separation anxiety before, it was a little jarring for him. But yesterday went much better. This time he was grumpy because he didn't want to leave. 

The kids also got some sandals for the summer. (The first day of summer is tomorrow!) 

While searching I came across these. I know they're called Uggs. But MAN these are the absolute ugliest things I have ever seen described as footwear. And they're $74!!!! Who is buying these for their 5-year-old? 

Today we ventured out to our children's museum. They have been open for a few weeks now. They have cut down on the props that are out for the kids to play with and they close down for cleaning and swapping out the stuff every few hours. Plus there is a cleaning crew just wandering through wiping things down periodically. They are also limiting the numbers of people allowed in. 

We went immediately as they opened and that first hour was really nice. Only 21 people total. 

Look at all that space! There were two new exhibits since the last time we were there for Walrus' birthday in February. 

A new climber. Which they liked. 

And a Curious George exhibit that we also really liked. 

We, of course, played in all of the other areas as well. My kids did a really nice job of keeping their distance from other people when possible. Giving everyone plenty of space was good for all of us. 

It was so nice to go out and do something that felt nearly normal. We have to embrace this time together and have some summer fun when possible! 

Our Weekend

Oh man. It was another perfect weather weekend!! Not too hot, and beautiful blue skies! We had the windows open and I think I will be able to stretch it until tomorrow before having to turn on the air conditioner but we will see. 

We were up fairly early and managed to get our big errand run right away in the morning. (Curbside pick up so we could all go.) Then we went and got donuts as a fun special treat. And we were feeling SO good about everything that we decided to clean out the garage. 

Usually, when we get the itch to clean the garage it's the hottest and most humid week of the year. But it was so lovely that it almost was enjoyable. I will spare you pictures of the final product but we took a big load to the recycling center and have three extra bags of trash going out today. Yay!! 

To celebrate we obviously had another fire night, only this was a date night fire. Which was wonderful! 

I promise you that I will not be that person who takes pictures of her fires and blogs about them on the regular. After these that is. These fires are just so photo-worthy! 

I know I have already mentioned the beautiful weather, but it was just a great night to sit out and talk by a fire. 

Our Sunday was less exciting and dreamy. We did another fire at lunchtime with the kids to make hot dogs on a stick. Husband made buns in the morning which was delicious. We finished with more s'mores. 

We, unfortunately, peaked at Lunch. The rest of the afternoon was full of grumpies and disgruntled attitudes. Those days happen to the best of us. 

In other news that is equal parts cute and annoying. M has these "Anna and Elsa as children" Barbies, and then a Princess Poppy from McDonald's. And anyone who is little in stature that has a big version has been given a "ia" ending to their names. So every day Ania, and Elsia and Poppia play and have games. 

Tonight, she wouldn't go to bed without everyone. The "ia" gang is on the Magnatile triple bunk bed. 

So that's the weekend. A good day. A not as great day. But we are ready to tackle this week. 

A Roaring Good Time

My long-awaited fun in the backyard arrived yesterday! Fun fact: I have always wanted to have a fire pit. I enjoy sitting around a fire. But I don't love smelling like a campfire for days.  And gas fire pits are fun to watch but are lacking somehow. Yes, you can roast a marshmallow but not much else.

A few weeks ago, my friend hosted driveway drinks for a small group. It was so lovely to spend some time socializing with other adults in a safe social distancing way. And someone asked about Solo Stoves. Had we ever tried one? None of us had, but one gal's sister had one and loved it. 

I was intrigued and made a note of it. I spent about a week hemming and hawing about it, then pulled the trigger. Because I am all about a minimally smoking woodburning fire pit. (And they look really cool too!) So my Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit came yesterday and I was so so excited. Let's just get this out of the way: this is 100%, not an ad. I just really loved it. 

We, of course, tested it out and you know what? It really is minimally smoking! It got a little smokey as it got going but once the logs were fully involved there was no problem at all. I did have to shower after our fun but that's because I had grilled with our charcoal grill for dinner and not because I smelled like campfire. 

We started the fire early enough so that even though the kids stayed up a little late, it wasn't too late. So the awesome fire pictures will come later. One of the other cool things about these firepits is that there is a ring it stands on that allows airflow underneath the pit so you can use it anywhere including grass or even a wooden deck without harming the surfaces. 

We were of course prepared for s'mores. Because how could we have our first backyard bonfire without s'mores? I think that's against the parenting code of conduct. 

We helped them roast and will continue for a while. The sides of the solo stove get hot so we have to work with them to understand how close they can be safely. Once we've established some rules we will let them roast on their own with only our supervision.

They really liked their homemade s'mores! 

And I really liked our new Solo Stove Bonfire! I would absolutely recommend it. I am excited to have another fire soon! 

Wednesday Funnies

These made me chuckle. Hopefully, they make you smile too!

I have officially become my mother because not only do I say "In or out, not both." But I am constantly battling the door situation. Is it open? Closed? Did they slam it? The answer is nearly always the opposite of what I'd prefer. 

Happy Wednesday! It was perfectly 70 and sunny all morning so I opened up the windows. Now it's raining pretty good, which I don't mind at all. It's going to cool off here to mid 60s and I love it. 

Randoms!

Here's just a mishmash of my random thoughts. 

Saying goodbye to Fuller House this week had me unexpectedly crying. 9 more episodes were just not enough for me. I really appreciate the silly and family-friendly nature of the sitcom. 

In fact, when we started the last episode I was shocked we had powered through them so quickly. But 4.5 hours over a few days isn't a whole lot. We could have even binged the whole thing had I realized. Anyway, I will miss the silly funny of it all. 

The weather has been hot and sunny and that's okay. Saturday we crashed a friend's pool, with their permission. We had a little pool party with friends and the kids were so happy. Plus the dads who haven't had any socialization besides work since all this started. It was so good. 

I didn't take any pictures during the swim. 

Here was M hours later at home though. 

We all slept well!! M's cheeks did not get pink from the sun, they get pink from the sunscreen! I have tried so many different kinds but it doesn't seem to make a difference and it's only her face that seems sensitive. 

Ironically, last summer when we went to this friend's pool I got terribly sunburnt. This year I was pretty manic about putting on sunscreen and I still got burnt. (No one else did in my family!) Which is unfun! But it's feeling pretty good today. I have a pretty good sunburn protocol including ibuprofen, lotion, hydrocortisone cream and lots and lots of water. 

We are settling into summer or whatever that looks like. Still figuring it all out. And we will take it all one day at a time. 

We Made It!

Happy Last Day of School to these kids! Here are the requisite first day/last day montage pictures. 

The kids each have a final zoom call today and then we are in full summer mode here! 

This summer might not involve camps, swim lessons or a whole lot of playdates, but we will make our own fun! I am proud of these two for rolling with the punches and adjusting to being home all the time so well. 

On to Kindergarten and 2nd Grade!

The Next Chapter

Husband went back to work today. He isn't super excited about it. I imagine that ultimately he will get less work done there due to interruptions but I am not the president of his company so I don't get a vote. 

C finished the bulk of first grade today. So much so, that I was able to sneak a bunch of things into the recycling bin prior to today's pickup. 

He has just a few things left to do. A reading comprehension quiz. A math test. 2 zoom calls. It seems so weird that after a quarter of the year being home we are now approaching "summer"  that looks an awful lot like what we've just been doing. 

Today or tomorrow we will find out if this summer will involve swim lessons at the pool we typically go to. If they decide not to open, I will try and get the kids into private lessons. Hopefully, I will be able to get some spots so we can salvage out something special. 

This weekend I disconnected and spent some time with friends at one of my friend's lake house. It was the perfect precursor to kick off a summer unlike any other. 

This is the view of the house from the water. Isn't it gorgeous?! It was the most perfect weather. Low 70s and sunny.

 

This is where I spent the whole morning. I was reading, journaling, working on a bible study I've been trying to get through, and just staring out at the gorgeousness. Plenty of time spent peacefully and blissfully alone. (We all needed that so much after months of being with our children every single second.) 

It's tiring to be "on" all day every day. 

But now I am rejuvenated and ready to rock and roll for summer to fully begin!