Wednesday, April 29, 2020

week 6

Week 6 - some days it feels like we are getting into a routine and then something changes and we are back to square one - this week we are thankful for the nice weather and Moana... have we mentioned that Anna LOVES Moana? 


She is also a big fan of dress up - trying things on, whether they are her clothes in multiple layers, the boys clothes, my shoes, or dress up - she likes to put things on. 


She also loves her dolls and stuffies --- 


Sometimes it is hard to find a spot of quiet - but also still want to be where the action is! 


Beautiful rainbow over the park --- a sign of better things to come we hope! 


Tried to spend Earth day doing some clean up around our house --- put on garden gloves and belts with bags attached and walked to the bike path by the tracks... 
The boys were excited to see what they could find. 


James was into bigger stuff - multiple bottles and other larger items.


Isaac was the cigarette king - picking up all the butts he could find. 


They did pretty well, but I felt like I was constantly yelling the whole time, 
"Stay away from the road, watch out for other people, give people space, don't knock over your sister!" --- it was not the peaceful Earth Day experience I imagined! 


But we got fresh air on a sunny day and helped the earth a little! 


Isaac is still very interested in helping with Anna - even helped me change a poop diaper the other day! 


Likes to read her stories too! 


We got the wagon down and they are having a ton of fun together! 


They take turns pushing and pulling and riding. 
Most days we prefer Anna to wear a helmet - they take her on some wild rides down the path to the park and up and down the "hill" at the park. 


This is where you can find Anna for at least 1.5 - 3 hours a day -- watching Moana once or twice daily. She loves it so much and it is very helpful during school time and conference calls! 
She also enjoys Patrick's old Care Bear! 


Working on the lawnmower with Dad! 


Such a wonderful day to be outside! 


When this thing runs again, I am guessing the wagon will find another use as a trailer! 


Ping Pong outside! 
Isaac decided he likes "Big" Tennis better - his hits are to large for a small table! 


Don't know if we will ever be used to having a girl --- Anna was running and pushing Lightning down the path and fell and skinned her knee. After she cried a little, she bent over and hugged Lightning as if she was telling him she forgave him for hurting her. 
What a funny kid :) 


Wisconsin kids enjoying springtime! 
Grateful to forget reality a little with these kiddos! 


Enjoying her swing and sunnies 


And the strider -- we are thrilled that she is interested in the bike --- 
she loves these boots - can get them on herself and is quick to follow the boys lead when it is time to go outside... doesn't want to be left behind! 

Thursday, April 23, 2020

week 5

Yikes - weeks are starting to blend together - guess it will be great to have this to remember, but I am struggling to remember what we did last week. Good thing we took pictures! 


James and I took a chilly and windy bike ride to the post office to mail a package to the Ruble boys. It is a family version of Cards Against Humanity - printed and sold locally here - disclaimer read: if you don't find poop and fart jokes funny - this isn't the game for you! 


Trying to get the boys helping with chores around the house - lets be real, we are struggling to do a good job of keeping up - but it is good to teach them some new skills when we can! 


Anna and Isaac are learning from Jimmy's school too! 


One of Isaac's school projects - we were both pretty proud! 


April windy --- great kite flying weather! We do our best to share the green space with other families - glad our yard is plenty big, but right next door so we can see some friends from a distance once and a while too! 


Water table cold or not - Anna loves to play in the water! 


Boys and Anna have been coming with me on some of the food deliveries --- masks up - packed in from the front to back to trunk - this is how we role! 


Boys are completely in to Lightning again --- playing with the Florida 500, watching the movies, racing the cars down the slide - anything with cars... super proud of this rainbow display of their cars.


Some chalk fun on the driveway. 


Isaac was more into this than James  - loved to see the pictures! 


Took advantage of the solarium warmth on a cold and sunny day ---  I set up the room and played some boat tunes and told the kids to get their swim suits on. 
Lunch in the sun! 


Bubbles and Beach Boys and a boat drink! 


It feels so lovely and warm in there - we definitely need to do this again! 


Spent some time at work helping to show gratitude and support to our staff. 
Our incredible volunteers cut out thousands of hearts and our Mission Team taped everything up! 


Super fun but honestly harder than expected. This OCD gal needed to be reminded progress over perfection a few times :) 


The Sunroom cafe is now also open for business --- serving meals on week days and strictly a coffee shop for adults on weekend mornings! 


We also got to take part in a local scavenger hunt --- it was AWESOME! 
Way harder than I expected - but they kids did great! 
Anna was thrilled to be out and running after the guys! 


Proud big brothers giving piggy back rides for the first time! 


Anna loved it too! 


Virtual church --- Anna sure loves her Daddy! 


Waiving to Pastor Jeff. 


Starting to love picking out her own shoes and clothes --- :) 
Pop tarts anyone? 


Ping Pong fun! 

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Easter 2020

Social Distancing Easter ... 


Everyone was up by 7 am and hunting for baskets... 


They were all hidden in the room they have been spending the most time in - yet it was the last room they checked :) 


Anna has my Easter basket from when I was a kid... and a grown up :) 


Peeps! 


New sunnies! 


Peeps in the air! --- Sour watermelon, regular and birthday cake --- yummm?!? 


Pastor Jeff on screen with Carrot muffins and bacon! 
We managed to complete all of these things by 8:45 --- thankfully the rain held off and we got an expected long walk today too. 


James has been asking to make a stuffy... Grammy where are you?!? 
We cut out felt and sewed two pieces together and stuffed it with cotton balls... 


Everything is Lightning McQueen right now --- so you guessed right, Lightning McQueen stuffies... 


I requested nice clothes for dinner --- Isaac came out mid clothes change looking for a knife to "stick in the outlet thingy... "  To be clear, I didn't ask him what he was doing until after I took the picture... 
crisis averted and lesson taught... :) 


Family picture 


Family selfie 


Boys helped set the table 


Table pictures 


Love the tie! 


Love those smiles 


Then things got silly :) 


girlie giggles 


Post dinner wardrobe change and showing off our stained glass crosses. 
Anna was doing stickers - on her belly / on her feet... :) 


Brewers 1982 baseball - Easter and baseball go together :) 


Did I mention the wardrobe changes and the silliness? 


Just a girl in a fur cape washing her hands! 


Nerf time with Daddy - safety first with sunglasses. 


...and a shield... 

Certainly missed our family and usual celebrations - but we made memories and had fun. 
Happy Easter!