By the end of April, we'd been quarantined seven weeks. Everything was canceled--Ian's birthday party, all of church events (though we've been meeting virtually on Zoom with a Sunday devotional, and YW has been having virtual meetings on Wednesdays), all school events (while the kids do school assignments online, with varying degrees of success), all social events, all possible trips. Mostly we feel fortunate, having enough to eat and plenty of toilet paper, stable incomes and no big plans canceled (we'd just done Disneyland in February--go back a few posts for those pics). But some days are really challenging and with no end in sight, it's hard to think about the future with any optimism. I have to admit I was concerned about my birthday in April, worried that I wouldn't enjoy my celebration without being able to go out, but it turned out to be one of the best birthdays ever. My friends sent packages and well wishes, and met me for a socially distanced lunch. I had my door heart attacked by a friend, an amazing steak dinner cooked by Mr. B and a wonderful butter rum cake from Red House Cafe. So much love. I tried to show Declan just as much love on his birthday and I think we've really made the best of things. Here are this month's highlights, in pictures:
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| Our family photographer took "porchraits" for us--pictures on our porch while she stayed 6 ft away (social distancing). We decided to show off the best part of shelter in place: reading in our PJs. Love my bookworm family. |
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| Some of my birthday magic!! |
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| I was cooking dinner when I noticed this Audrey artwork--ha! |
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| The kids got some book mail from grandparents! Ian especially has been ripping through any new books and misses the library. |
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| Sunday family walk, found a fallen tree. These kids grumble about going outside or taking walks but usually enjoy it once we get going. I would love to skip the grumbling. |
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| The Brien grandparents sent a super fun package with candy, toys, tees, handkerchiefs and gift cards to Baskin Robbins. Here's Audrey in her new tee and kerchief. |
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| The kids had a week off school in April for Spring Break, so I tried to come up with fun activities. They had a sleepover on air mattresses in the living room, some spa time, and this restaurant lunch, their favorite. They helped me make a menu and then I took their order like a server, refilling their drinks or sides as often as they requested. I had quiet background music and left the check saying, "on the house because I love you." Declan dashed off to get a dollar for a tip, and Ian helped clean up. Audrey typed and printed the menu beautifully. We had a great time. |
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| I started a chemistry set subscription, and the first set of experiments was amazing! |
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| By the end of the month, we were required to wear masks to go into stores. I often took one kid with me to the store just so they could feel normal. I'm not sure this helped us feel normal, but it is an experience to remember! |
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| One night for dinner we tailgated in the mall parking lot, just our family, with a pizza. It was windy and we didn't end up staying long, but it helped us add some fun to our day. |
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| Our friend and neighbor owns a balloon business and decorated all the houses on her street with a rainbow bouquet. We had to walk over and take some pictures--great date night! |
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| Declan really wanted a "Great British Baking Show" cake for his birthday, so I did my best. I'm pretty proud of it! We got him a fun balloon bouquet from the friend previously mentioned, and did a lot of fun celebrating. He loved his ninth birthday! |
