Wow, it is crazy to believe we are wrapping up our online learning for the quarter. It really went by fast. I feel like I just started to hit my stride as it was ending!
The kids did a great job with their learning and I think they continued to grow as we worked at home. I hope this is something for their memory books.
With my own classes, I started teaching live band rehearsals on google meet the past two weeks. It was fun to get back into playing with my students but it was different. I was also rusty on how to run a rehearsal- something I used to do six times a day and now only a handful of times a week. Use or lose, that is for sure.
I am looking forward to packing up my home office and enjoying the summer break. As for the fall, I am not allowing myself to go into the multiple scenarios of could be when August rolls around. I really want to be back into the swing of things, so I can be the best teacher for my students. I have enjoyed creating new things for online learning but nothing can replace seeing students every day.
I have started brainstorming our summer fun list and schedule: I will for sure share it as we get going. My best tip is to create a loose daily and weekly schedule and stick to it. It helps the days tick along smoothly and gives us all something to depend on and look forward to. I know we were all looking forward to going to the pool this summer, something we have missed out on as a family with my grad classes the past two summers, and we are bummed out they are will be closed.
However, a silver lining is that with no summer municipal band season, we will have more time on the boat. Hopefully with lots of family and friends! :)
We spent some time exploring new trails around Terra Park in Johnston- we love beautiful days!
I caught the kids playing nicely while Scott and I worked in the yard. A rare find! Our front porch is such a lovely space and often under-enjoyed. We plan to change that!
We also celebrated Trace's birthday. It always hits me in funny ways. This year it happened when was when I was buying a little planter for the cemetery. I picked out one that I thought was fit for a little boy. Then when I got back into the car, I couldn't stop crying because of course, no nine-year-old boy would want a planter of flowers for his birthday. He should be getting a new upgraded bike and Minecraft and legos and things to kick off summer. It is just not fair, I can hardly imagine what it would be like to have another little boy in our family to join in with the fun.
We did purchase a big inflatable (and expensive!) pool for the kids and I am telling myself that is what we would have bought Trace for his birthday. This way I can think of him when we all play on it.
Teaching and learning!
The kids got to say goodbye to their teachers. Both teachers stopped by our house which I am amazed at the feat of that. I was very touched! We missed the girls' teacher but were able to grab a photo with Michael's teacher.
The girls have been having fun taking photos on my phone and iPad when I am busying working (I suppose they are being naughty but at least they are entertained, right?). It is funny to see the world from their perspective! I especially love the sweet selfies.
It is funny to see myself through their eyes. Yes, I was there! :)
We explored the little park around the Jester Park Nature center on a day where we had grabbed Mcdonalds lunch and a little bit of time to kill. It is lovely! The kids had fun with something new. We are excited when parks are open again on June 1st. Yay!
We exchanged cars with Scott's parents so we could use their truck and Grandma Margie came for a visit. We usually visit the pizza ranch buffet when she comes but this time we brought the buffet home to us! I think Scott will think twice next time before he lets me order the take out menu. Not pictured: dessert pizza! hehe
One of my good friend's dad died and I dropped off a care package for her at her house. We used the excuse to get out of the house and take a little road trip to the Pella area. We had a lovely lunch in the town square and then explored a bit. We also drove around Lake Red Rock. It was a nice way to spend Memorial Day! All the shops were closed in Pella so it was really a ghost town and the restaurant we went to was very well socially distanced.
I am so thankful for my family to spend time with during this crazy time. We are so looking forward to summer! There is just something about the warm sun, being outside, and having little obligations that just make everyone feel better. :)
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