A new day

This was a big week for Cameron. He got to go to school in person! This also meant it was his first time in his new school. The district started with 2nd graders so Cameron got to be one of the first 12 children back in the entire school. He loved it and was so excited to be able to meet his teacher and go to his school in person. Wearing a mask was no big deal and he was lucky enough to get his same teacher. He is thrilled and we are too. It is nice to have a change of routine and it's nice for the kids to have a break from each other. Addy is exited because she gets to start in the middle of April. 

It's also officially Little League season so now we get that to look forward to as well. It's a very different reality than a year ago which is a nice change. 

A Walk in the Park

Last weekend we had beautiful weather and decided to take advantage of it and head over to Whidbey Island to check out some parks and spend time outside. The first one we went to was a park that had art throughout a trail that went through the woods. It was so cool! Tons of variety of artwork by local artists, all outside in the forest. It was such a fun adventure and the kids loved the variety of art. It was a short walk so we did it twice and the kids selected their favorite artwork shown below.

From there we went to one of the old forts that had gun batteries from over 100 years ago. It was a perfect day for flying kites and we brought ours! It was a beautiful day outside so lots of people had their kites as well, we even saw a deer.

It was a great escape outdoors and a reminder that we've made it through winter and spring brings sunshine!

Sign of the Times

 It's hard to believe it's been a year now since the kids have been home from in person school. While they desperately miss regular school, there have been some perks with remote learning. At the top of the list for the kids is wearing pajamas all day. Last week Cameron had both crazy hat day and pet day. His classmates were all showing their animals on the computer and I snapped the following pictures of Cameron showing off our chickens. Definitely not every day that you get to do this at school. 

Cameron is getting excited because he's planning on going back to school 2 days a week in person starting in two weeks. We explained to him that he might not get his same teacher, that he'll have to wear a mask and that it may not feel like regular school. He emphatically stated, "I don't care if I have to go to a split kindergarten class, I want to go back to school!" There is no question on where he stands on this issue. 

A tribute

We lost our beloved Great Grandma Ruby two weeks ago. She lived to be 103 years old. Brian and I got married on her 90th birthday and Adelyn's middle name is in her honor. She was truly special. The loss is significant and in these pandemic times it feels even more unfair. However, I am trying hard to focus on how lucky we are to have gotten her for so long. Her stories and poems were truly remarkable. I'd like to think my kids got her poetic genes. Both kids happened to be in a poetry unit. Below are poems from each of them and one we wrote as a family in honor of Grandma Ruby. 

Addy's Poem:

My dear, dear blanket. How I adore your soft, soft fluffiness. Like a great big pom-pom, or a cloud of everything great. I shall always appreciate. You wrap me in warmth, like a silky thread of velvet. How will I ever repay you for your kindness? With you there is no darkness, only lightness. In the midst of a nightmare, you will help me through my scare. It feels so right to have you wrapped around me, with your designs ever so fancy. You will always hold special place in my heart, and I do hope we will never have to depart. 

Cameron's Poem (about a car)

Arrow Dynamic
Faster than the wind. 
Sharper than a saber.
More emerald then a jewel. 
Shinier than crystal. 
Stronger than a boulder. 
Engines more powerful than a rocket's. 

Our beloved Grandma Ruby.
We are inspired by your strength and patience.
Your smile was as sweet as your raspberry jam.
Your hugs were as warm as fresh baked cookies just out of the oven.
Your laugh was as full of joy as the happy memories of Booya on the farm.
We will always treasure your handwritten recipes.
We think of you every time we see a crossword puzzle or taste your famous and delicious sour cream coffee cake.
Your poems, stories and thoughtful gifts filled those around you with gratitude. 
You will forever hold a special place in our hearts and we will honor your legacy by being generous, kind and humble. 
Just like you.

More Winter Fun

 The skiing conditions were absolutely perfect! It was colder than we are used to (about 15) but the snow was perfect, no ice and a new ski hill for us to explore. We agreed it was one of our best ski trips yet and we loved doing our favorite runs over and over. The kids explored the terrain park which included some jumps and tunnels. Addy lost her skis on the chair lift for the first time (twice!) but survived and Brian and I did some skiing on our own for the first time. It was all you could ask for in a ski getaway. 

Since we left a day early, we also had time to enjoy some sledding. We found several different hills and the kids eventually settled on their favorite one. 

Last but not least, our rental house was right next to the river and an awesome trail. There were tons of ducks and geese and we loved exploring the woods. It was a wonderful winter weekend! 

Winter Weather Weekend

Last weekend we escaped the snow in Seattle to get to the winter weather of Wenatchee in Eastern Washington. We had this trip planned for weeks, but due to a big storm headed to Seattle we left a day early in order to avoid getting snowed in. It was the right call because we made it out just a few hours before the snow started falling at home. We drove through snow most of the drive but made it with no troubles and from there the snow continued every day! The kids had a blast sledding and playing in the snow and we spent 2 days skiing. It was a wonderful getaway and the kids even got to still see the snow at home and build a quick snowman in the backyard. My winter weather fix is met and now I'm ready for spring!

The beautiful snow in Wenatchee compared to the wet (but perfect snowman snow) at home! 

The Broncos!

 Last weekend was a big moment for football and I don't mean the Super Bowl. Cameron started a flag football league a few weeks ago and Saturday was his first game! We moved into a new phase (but still no in person school!) so his team could do more than just practices. It was so exciting for us to have something to go do. Despite the wind and light rain, we were still thrilled to have a reason to leave the house! 

Unfortunately the boys (and Brian as the assistant coach) didn't score any points and lost by 3 touchdowns it was still super fun to watch the Broncos play their first game. I've never been so excited for an outdoor winter sport! I can't tell any of the kids (or even the spectators apart!) but no complaints.