In May we went to Sun Lakes, in Eastern Washington, with a couple of friends and their families. It was our first time venturing out with others since this whole Covid debacle began and it felt a bit surreal. It was the resort’s first weekend open, and most people there were not wearing masks. There was social distancing and lots of sanitizing going though. We did our best to stay away from others and just stick with our little group. The weekend ended up feeling even stranger because it’s when the protests and looting really got underway. We had no TV’s and very spotty Wifi, but we understood Seattle was on fire and a curfew was in place. Things really spiraled that weekend, but it was a fun getaway and we all came home healthy!

Screentime!

“Oh Chad!”

We had three cabins on the end with the Melbys and the Christians

Heading out for a hike up those hills

It was a scramble getting back down!

Frozen

Mini golf!

 

Water balloon wars were a hit

Top & tail

At the Grand Coulee Dam

All tired out. I love that she’s wearing her Wonder Woman shirt and holding Wonder Bunny!

 

Guess who learned to ride a bike during quarantine! When she heard her best friend, Clare, had just learned to ride, Layla became committed to figuring it out. We capitalized on the peer pressure and worked with her. It just took a few days without training wheels and she was off!

Riding with the neighborhood kids

Our four kids on eight wheels

After thirteen years the time finally came to replace the van. After a lot of research I decided on a Volvo XC90. Here’s the new ride. I love it!

I had the following to say about getting rid of the minivan: It’s the end of an era. Just like that my minivan is gone after thirteen years of dutifully toting my family around. I never wanted it to begin with. My very first car was my parents Plymouth Voyager, so when Jonathan and I purchased the van when we were expecting our first child, what I really wanted was an SUV – something that didn’t say “mom” quite so loud. But those sliding doors and the built-in DVD player were pretty sleek and practicality won out. I drove home in a Honda Odyssey The car salesman called it “the Ferrari of minivans!” We got off to a bumpy start when less than a month later we were rear-ended driving Avery, our newborn, home from the hospital. I was half asleep in the middle row beside him and burst into tears when I realized what had happened. It was traumatizing, and although we were all fine, I’m pretty sure I traumatized the poor driver of the vehicle that hit us. A new mother, my perception of control and being able to keep my family safe was shattered quickly. We never fixed the rear bumper. It still has a small “bellybutton” dimple from that day. We drove that van 165k mi, brought three more babies home from the hospital, I nursed many hours it it, we changed a lot of diapers in the back, and we pulled over on countless country roads so our boys could pee. It was bittersweet saying goodbye today, but I was really glad to see it go to a nice family who needed it. Selling the van was another reminder that we’re gradually moving to the next chapter of our lives. Guess it’s finally time I get my SUV!

Saying goodbye to the old ride

I great a nice Mother’s Day this year, despite Covid. This year Mother’s Day fell directly on Kieron’s birthday, so most of the day was about celebrating his milestone birthday. The kids made sweet cards for me and in the afternoon Grammy and Papa came to visit and celebrate in the backyard. The weather cooperated.

No hugs this Mother’s Day

Socially distanced pictures always look so weird. We tried to fake that we had our arms around each other. It sorta works.

Mimosas for Moms

Grammy and Papa brought a kite for Avery so we took it to Carmichael Park to fly.

Kieron celebrated a milestone birthday this year. He turned “double digits” during our little pandemic. I was hopeful things would settle down more in time for his special day, but unfortunately they did not and the stay home order was extended. Fortunately Kieron is a bit of a homebody and all he really wanted to do was open presents and play Fortnite with Avery and his friends. The day also happened to be Mother’s Day this year so there was lots to celebrate. Grammy and Papa came over in the afternoon to visit and wish him a Happy Birthday as well.

At ten, Kieron is sweet, smart, sensitive and strong-willed. He loves cooking, history, reading and riding horses (oh, and playing video games). He doesn’t care for long car rides or writing papers. Kieron is quite content with a couple of close friends and his siblings, to whom he is very loyal. He has a funny sense of humor and loves to joke around. Happy birthday to our darling middle boy. We love you more than you’ll ever know!

Crepes for breakfast

Alexa!

An iPod!

In case you’re wondering what texts between Avery and Kieron look like, here’s a funny screen shot I took during one of my recon missions

Kieron’s class sang him “Happy Birthday” on their Zoom meeting

Eggs ala goldenrod for lunch

Boiled chocolate cake

Last night as a nine year old