Countdown Day 2

We are all a little excited. Can you tell?

Capturing memories and setting goals was the theme for today. Psalm 90:12

Kathryn had here last class Zoom. It was definitely a bittersweet goodbye. We find out her new class and teacher on Thursday.

This kid loves color by number. I also think his coloring skills have improved.

Goals!

And quickly it seems, day 2 was over. That said, both kiddos lingered around all afternoon and continued to play in the office. It really is harder getting things done.

In the oppressive heat of the afternoon there was sprinkler time. But those pictures ended up not being appropriate to post. It was too much to change into swim suits!

Recap of our countdown - Day 3

Its final here. The start to the last week (days really) of school. It's been a huge blessing. Some many positive take aways, bit we are also ready to close this chapter of the school year.

In an effort to start cleaning out, I reset the room and had a packet on the board for each day. No more worksheets and binders this week.

The kids are really excited. Most of the activities are memory page books and cleaning out to end the year 

One area they have excelled is independence in the kitchen. Always enthusiastic, many times scary, but evidence they are growing and learning. Here Kathryn made Mac and cheese while I was on a call with our CEO.

Our tinny dancer also had her last night of dance. We got all dressed up to tape for the virtual recital.

David was so supportive that he also got dressed up fancy with his sister.

He picked all of this out himself. I love this kid.

Dancing silly together to end class.

Almost June

Saturday was a day mostly filled with work around the house and farm. The kids pitched in and helped earn by doing chores.

We did stop to watch the Dragon launch. David may or may not have been awake.

Four wheeling time

Another week has flown bye

Make shift fort in the living room. Lots of giggles. Hours of giggles. David claims he took a nap, but I'm not so sure.

Kathryn showing off her painted wooden puzzle. David's is some where in the pile of blankets.

We did school. Our collective commitment is waning. 

Kathryn's class didn't meet this week, but David got to see a few of his classmates on Zoom. The session was only about 15 minutes.

One evening we were entertained with another magic show. I really need to find a way to share videos.

On Thursday David had surgery to remove his right ear tube and a perincular sinus gland. After much prep, the surgery went really well.

It was a good excuse for extra snuggles, icees, and watching cartoons. Don't let this fool you. He was bouncing around like normal a few hours later.

Memorial Day Recap

This year we definitely missed out celebrating with family and at services. So instead of recapping our weekend, I'm instead remembering and treasuring past memories or Memorial Day and honoring those who served.

This captures our best memory of staying home Memorial Day weekend.

Ready to return to normal

After a touch and go Wednesday, I felt better on Thursday. That said, I had quite a bit of catching up to do at work. While our project backlog is tailing off quickly, it is a full court press to be looking for new project work to bring in. Kathryn's frequently saying, "really? Another call or video conference? Will they ever end?" 

David is quick, very quick, to volunteer activities other than school. He asks in a sweet voice acting very charming. How can I resist? 🤷 So there was no school Thursday...or Friday. The bees will have to wait until next week. June 4th is the last day of school and we are eager to get their teacher assignments for next year. On June 8th both kiddos will be heading to the school's summer program as I head back into the office.

In other news (as many of you have experienced), Kathryn is emailing. She still is doing some online virtual lessons and loves playing math games.

The cooking adventures continue and I think I figured out this pasta machine. Thursday was spaghetti from scratch with braised beef in a red sauce (also homemade). Sorry no more pictures of the dish. 

Bee Week Part 1

Kathryn's learning request this week was on bees. I don't have a lot of pictures because we relied on lots of online videos 🤷. My mom was eager to offer up a queen and bees to populate a give, but I not quite ready to take the plunge. We are into themed weeks of learning but that was going to be too much.

One benefit of being home is their growing desire to be more independent and helpful around the kitchen. This their own breakfast art/food. And yes, David made a mohawk for himself the night before after bath and was super excited it stayed!

This girl grows up each day and is so responsible! She has taken to our morning routine and this is her dressed and ready to go after making her bed (all without me even waking her!).

Day 3 picture of bee learning. 

Honestly the week was a bit tough and quite full. We got a call on Tuesday from David's ENT that his surgery to remove his eartube is now May 28th. They scheduled a flurry of appointments and two long pre-op calls. Lots of extra precautions during this time. Dad took him to his first appointment (4 hours after the first call to schedule) to see the surgeon. When the surgeon asked David to take off his mask, he asked "really?" 😂 David has been quite the trooper. Kathryn is quite worried and doesn't want him to hurt or get sick, so she has been saying lots of extra prayers for David.

On Wednesday I didn't feel the best that day, but made it thru best I could. These two really wanted to help. They made this plate of cucumbers all by themselves 🙌. Mom and Dad are proud. (Don't worry I feel completely fine, just an off day)

Another quick weekend

Saturday seemed to go all too quickly. In the morning I got a solid 90 minutes of cleaning from the kids (Yippy)! We picked up lunch from Lion Bridge and headed to Grandma Deb's for a belated Mother's Day get together.

We had a great time and enjoyed catching up.

We then took an after hike and worked on finishing up Kathryn's Scout requirements for her Tiger badge. She has really enjoyed her first year of Scouting, but sad she can't finish with her Den in person.

Grandma gave them each a paint puzzle and they were eager to get started.

Our evening entertainment was a magic show put on by Kathryn. I'll try to post a link to the video. She did an excellent job to finish another scout unit.

Sunday marked her virtual Deb meeting. Only half the kids made it, but it was still good to hear what they have worked on and plan for next fall. She is looking forward to Wolf in the fall and David will join as a Lion!

Friday May 15

Last Friday wrapped up our bird unit. We used the opportunity from the storm to pick up sticks and make bird nest.

The kids were so excited! They made plans and make of where to find sticks and build their nest.

So happy to pull the wagon.

Stick collecting for their nests

Kathryn found a nest inside the playset. But no eggs or resident yet 

They built and added two more nest for the birdie resident to choose from. 

After a bit more classroom and office work, we spent late afternoon outside enjoying the nice weather.

This was quite bike parade and included lots of dancing too.

Almost 5

Almost 7

We finished the evening with a fire, s'mores, and a roasted apple!

So thankful!