Simple pleasures feel even more special amidst this crazy world we live in. Sitting on the couch to watch football last week felt like a true gift. We were all so excited for the game and it was so much fun to watch it together and have something that felt semi-normal. And getting the win is always a nice bonus. The kids were decked out and ready to welcome the return of football season.
I try so hard to follow the mantra "choose happy" and always find the silver linings but this month has been a true challenge. The smoke moved in about two weeks ago and each day got worse and worse until we just completely stopped going outside because of how dangerous the air quality was. That meant for almost 2 weeks we were trapped indoors. No play dates for the kids, no walks, no outdoor activity. We moved the cars out of the garage to turn that into a gym but there is just no substitute getting outside.
Yesterday the rain moved in which meant it pushed out the smoke so we could be outside for the first time. Addy and I were walking and she said "I'm so grateful to feel the rain on my face!" I told her we had to record that because that might be our new normal for the next 6 months. I guess the silver lining is not being able to go outdoors at all makes us appreciate it even more, even if we are moving into the wet rainy months.
Tomorrow is the first day of fall and it definitely feels like summer is over. Rain is in the forecast but I've never been so grateful to be able to get outside and breathe in the air.
Here is out it looked out Addy's window for over a week. You couldn't see more than a block or so because of the smoke.
The kids went back to school last week, online only. It's hard to describe just how different it feels compared to a normal school year. Underwhelming is the best word I can think of. The kids have tried to embrace it but are truly over how much time they have to spend on the computer doing zooms and their homework. It's hard to see their lack of excitement when normally they are so enthusiastic about the start of a school year and seeing all of their friends.
We still followed our first day of school picture tradition and Cameron couldn't help himself to include a "business on top, stay at home on the bottom" look. I suppose that really is a sign of the times.
Last weekend was our final camping trip of the summer. The weather was perfect and it was one of our favorite campgrounds. The kids swam in the freezing water, went kayaking, explored the forts, flew (and broke) a kite and caught some crabs. We made our first ever "pudgy pies" which will definitely become a camping dessert staple menu item.
Another camping season comes to an end and I realize again just how much work it is to pack up all your stuff, drive to the woods and unpack it all just to do it again:) Kudos to Brian for making it seem easy and keeping everything so organized. I'm always amazed how every item has it's exact spot and Brian knows just where that is.
This weekend Brian took the kids swimming and canoeing with his friend and 2 kids. It was "Dad's day on the lake" I knew the kids would want jump off the canoe and do all the things that make me nervous so I decided to let them have more fun without me. It was a win for both sides! The families were in the lake for over 7 hours! Based on all the stories they told me I would have been crazy nervous the entire time. Brian did an amazing job wiping them out because they were still tired the next day. They loved it and couldn't stop talking about what a fun day it was. Dad's for the win!
I think I've properly documented the fun of this trip and yet there are still more photos! Here is the final family fun photos post showing how much fun was had by all.
