Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Quarantine Life - Homeowners Edition

There would never be a good time to be without a kitchen, but I think the middle of a global pandemic ranks as the worst.  We noticed a bit of buckling in the floors near the back door.  We thought maybe the dishwasher was leaking - unfortunately it was a bigger deal than that.   A slow leak behind the wall was the culprit. 


After an emergency plumber call, two guys in hazmat suits, mold remediation, removal of all the hardwood floors we are finally at the putting back together stage.  I really, really hope things are all back to normal by the end of next week!

There really never is a dull moment around here!  Thank goodness for homeowners insurance - they have been amazing!





Quarantine Life - S'mores

 As soon as quarantine started the boys were begging to have a fire and eat S'mores one night.  The weather wasn't on our side and it might have been a short lived fire, but the kids didn't mind one bit.





They enjoyed it all the same and have been asking if we can't have another S'mores night soon.

Quarantine Life - Easter

It might not have been how we would usually celebrate Easter, but it was special all the same.  I missed going to mass, but the boys were grateful not to have to get dressed up. 

They had a great time hunting for their Easter baskets first thing in the morning.  I think the hidden Easter baskets is one of my very favorite traditions Brian brought to our family.  He hides the boys' baskets based on age. This year was a good one.  They all eventually found their baskets, but it was tough.

After we picked up Uncle Tim the boys were ready to have the outdoor hunt.  They knew their color and they were off to find all 25 of their eggs.  I think it's safe to say they had  fun.








Even though it wasn't how we would have liked to celebrate it was still a special - and memorable - Easter. 

Quarantine Life - Distance Learning

 All three of the boys' schools transitioned to distance learning after spring break. I'm not going to lie - this has been tough. 

Max seems to finish his work in lightening speed.  He is often finished for the day before the others even get started. 

 Jack does okay, but he needs lots of support from mom.  I can't imagine if I had a job!  First graders learning via the computer is just insane!  There are some really cute meets - where the poor teacher has to tell them one million times to mute themselves.  He has enjoyed sharing lots of things from home with his friends.


William's school has really worked hard to make the process as beneficial as possible.  He has daily zoom meeting for every one of his classes - even art and pe!  It's crazy, but it has been so amazing for him.  It helps that his classes only have about 8ish kids in them.  The meets are manageable.  It's not as good as the real deal, but they have worked hard to make the best of the situation.

Quarantine Life - Baking and Batteling

 We started quarantine with a fully functional kitchen.  It didn't last, but we did make some pretty fantastic pretzels week one.


 Max was a master dough kneader.  Jack was a master pretzels former.  William was a master pretzel tester.

Creativity is something William has in spades.  He asked where the aluminum foil was one day.  THe next thing I know I have two official knights right there in the living room.

Happy 7th Birthday Jack!

 How is it possible that my baby is seven!?  Before I know it he will be off to college.  All these birthdays at once is tough on the momma. 

Jack was soooo excited to turn seven.  He woke me up at 6am to tell me that he was now seven - "I know I look at little different today because I'm seven, but don't worry - I still love you"  Is there a better way to wake up?

 Jack requested the exact same cake we had for William's birthday the week before - so off to Dairy Queen I went.  He was beyond excited about his new BeyBlade stadium.  The whole family is in agreement that this stadium is way better than his old one.  Which is great because he is constantly asking one of us to play Beyblades with him.

 Those eyes . . . I just can't help but crack up at his expression!  He loved his cake!

I know I'll blink and he will be eight - so I'll just do my best to not blink :)

Happy 9th Birthday William!

 Quarantine birthday #2 was for William.  I can't believe he is nine!  Last year of single digits for this guy!
By this point in quarantine our kitchen was out of commision.  Brian gave lots of birthday cake options and he picked an icecream cake from Dairy Queen.  Let's just say it was a huge hit.



William has grown so much this year.  He has adjusted well to his new school and made so much progress.  We can't wait to see what the next year has in store - we know if will be amazing!

Happy 12th Birthday Max!

 What a birthday!  Life as we know it has changed significantly in the last eight weeks.  Max's birthday was a the very beginning of the Coronavirus lockdown. 

 Brian and attended a funeral, so Max got to enjoy double celebrations - Cookie Cake at Nonna's house and brownies at home.  He was one happy guy.

Max is growing up so quickly!  I feel like he has grown a foot since all of this began.  We are so lucky to be his parents!