Settling in to 2021: Coronavirus Weeks 43 & 44

2021 has arrived, and with it plenty of turmoil in the world around us.  In recent days we've watched from afar as people continued to protest election results and even stormed the Capital Building in Washington D.C. in efforts to stop the Electoral College voting.  We've seen news of a new strain of the Cororonavirus entering the U.S. and then Michigan and non-stop talk of the vaccine now being administered to health care professionals, teachers and those 65 and older.  As we sit on the edge of a week of likely more turbulence at the inauguration of soon to be President Joe Biden, with many President Trump supporters continuing to push back and fight, this world around us seems to have lost it's mind.

However, back at home, in our little corner of the world, things have been much more peaceful and quiet, thankfully.  Things like Lucky and Sadie grooming one another is more our speed of unusual.

We were able to finally get to a project I'd been dreaming of for quite a while - solving the problem of the girls' closet needing some shelves and organization, spaces for them to put stuff instead of just a heap on the floor.  So, a coupe weeks back, Daddy got to measuring, bought the supplies we needed, and set to the task with several helpers along the way.

Where before there was just a closet rod and upper shelf with a few plastic drawers to hold things, and generally stuff tossed everywhere, 

we now have some order!  Each girl has 4 large baskets for all of their things, doll stuff, etc as well as 3 baskets for shoes.  What a difference!!!  I might be a bit jealous of all their cute baskets.

With the snow a couple weeks back, Mr. Barney, our neighbor, set to making a hill for the kids from what little snow there was.  With Jamesen joining them, they anxiously watched and waited as he sculpted a small hill for them.  They couldn't wait to get to sledding down it, no matter how small!

We sure do love and appreciate having Barney as our neighbor!

Last Sunday, Alex and I spent the late afternoon attending a funeral virtually for his Uncle Bill.  This is the second funeral Covid has affected personally for us in regards to attendance, and made me so very thankful for the technology that allowed us to be present even while being distant.

We also got back into the swing of school the last couple of weeks.  With a bit of confusion and delay along the way, we also had some fun.  Ezri even took charge and taught her sisters some things, helping with lessons and loving being in charge.  The kids each set up their own station and, aside from the playing around that happened more than the actual school work, they had fun.

This past weekend, the kids got to sit down and work on their bird houses that Aunt Becky and Christine made and gave them for Christmas.  Each had pre-cut pieces, holes pre-drilled and all the screws and sandpaper they would need to build them.  They worked for quite a while with Daddy's help, assembling and driving the screws themselves.

They turned out really cute and the kids are already planning how to paint and decorate them.

Happy New Year: Coronavirus Week 42

Happy New Year!

We spent our last evening of 2020 with our framily, playing games, laughing and enjoying the company.  Glow sticks were a big hit of the evening.

 

And just like that, what many called the worst year ever came to an end and we awoke to 2021!

Snow returned, and our kids were thrilled to spend most of Saturday outside.  They went out and came in several times, at one point needing their clothes dryed for a spell because they were soaked through!  As soon as that dryer buzzed, they were back into their snow clothes and out the door.

There were snowball fights several times, and once Daddy got caught in the cross fire!

A snowman was also constructed to wave at passing cars.

While the kids were out playing, Sadie was inside keeping warm and cozy with "Big Bear"

Sunday, after Minno and a donut, the kids headed outside for more snow fun!  Their first task - roll a giant snowball!

This inspired a giant snowman build that took place after lunch, with some help from Alex and Kathy.

Once completed, the giant snowman needed some snow baby friends.

Then another snow fight ensued.

Not a bad way to start a new year and end a week!